Dinner Main Dish

Chorizo Slow Cooker Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Name: Chorizo Slow Cooker Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup chicken stock; 1 can chopped tomatoes; 1 can butter beans, drained; 4 large boneless or bone-in skinless chicken thighs; 7 oz Spanish or cured chorizo, diced into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 to 1 cup mixed olives; 8 sun-dried tomatoes, halved; 2 bell peppers, cored and cut into large chunks; 2 small red onions, peeled and quartered; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 bay leaf; A splash of vegetable oil; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Crystal Ivers December 1, 2024

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If you’re like me, showing off your cooking prowess at gatherings is half the fun of hosting. This chorizo slow cooker recipe is a game-changer. It’s rich, inviting, and perfect for single servings or big parties. With the push of a button, your home fills with mouth-watering aromas. Everyone will be asking, “What’s cooking?” Little do they know, you’re just a few steps away from culinary fame!

I’ve dabbled in various recipes over the years, but this one sticks out for its ease and versatility. My background as a registered dietitian means I care not only about flavor but also about nutrition. This chorizo recipe balances hearty ingredients with vibrant flavors, all while being made within the simplicity of a slow cooker.

So, what exactly makes a chorizo slow cooker irresistible? Let’s explore!

What is Chorizo Slow Cooker?

In the simplest terms, chorizo is a highly seasoned pork sausage. The slow cooker allows these spices to meld beautifully with other ingredients over hours of cooking. Imagine savory chorizo mingling with juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and hearty beans. The slow cooker helps every ingredient shine without constant attention. Trust me; you’ll prefer this method once you see how easy it can be!

Chorizo from Spain has a robust flavor profile, thanks to different spices like paprika and garlic. Then, there’s the Mexican version, which may include vinegar and has its own unique taste. This slow cooker recipe can adapt to either style or both, letting you reach unexpected flavor combinations. That’s how each meal can be a delightful surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Chorizo Slow Cooker

There are countless reasons to adore this dish. For starters, it’s a one-pot wonder. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it—at least for a few hours. This gives you a chance to kick back, relax, and indulge in a novel or perhaps a well-deserved nap.

Let’s talk about aroma. As the dish cooks, the fragrance fills your home. Friends will think you spent hours slaving in the kitchen. You’ll just smile and nod, enjoying your time.

Rich flavor is another highlight. The chorizo gives this dish its spice and richness. Combined with tender chicken, creamy beans, and vibrant veggies, you achieve a symphony of flavors in every bite. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a dish that seems like it requires culinary expertise (even if you’re just following along with directives).

Set the right mood. When you serve this, whether at a casual dinner or a festive gathering, it brings warmth and community. It’s the type of meal that encourages second servings, laughter, and connection—a good pot of food can do that.

Now, along with taste and aroma, this recipe prioritizes good nutrition. As a dietitian, I appreciate meals that are balanced. This dish offers proteins, fibers, and even some vitamins from its colorful veggies. The ingredients work together to create something hearty without overwhelming the palate.

The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Chorizo Slow Cooker

Now that we’re excited about our slow cooker adventure, let’s gather ingredients:

1 cup (240ml) chicken stock: This forms the base and adds savory depth.
1 can (14 oz/400g) chopped tomatoes: A must for moisture and flavor.
1 can (14 oz/400g) butter beans, drained (you can substitute with cannellini or another large bean if needed).
4 large boneless or bone-in skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
7 oz (200g) Spanish or cured chorizo, diced into bite-sized pieces: The star ingredient that adds richness.
½ to 1 cup mixed olives: They add a salty kick and depth.
8 sun-dried tomatoes, halved: For a touch of sweetness and texture.
2 bell peppers, cored and cut into large chunks: Adds color and crunch.
2 small red onions, peeled and quartered: They bring fragrance and sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Essential for that aromatic boost.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Extra tomato goodness and thickness.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm flavor burst.
1 teaspoon honey (or substitute with sugar): For sweetness.
1 sprig fresh rosemary: Adds herbaceous notes.
1 bay leaf: Enhances the overall flavor.
A splash of vegetable oil: Helps in sautéing.
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional): Extra herb flavor.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first—let’s chop and dice. Chop your bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Don’t rush this part. The more you enjoy this, the better the meal will taste. Dice the chorizo into bite-sized pieces. Those will infuse flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Sauté (Optional)

Now, here’s a little extra step that can elevate your dish. If you’re short on time, skipping this works. However, a quick sauté in a pan using a splash of vegetable oil can really amplify the flavors. Heat the oil on medium, then toss in the onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the chorizo to brown it slightly.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and let’s start layering! Add your sautéed mixture, followed by the chicken thighs (whole), chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, butter beans, bell peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and all your spices. Lay the rosemary and bay leaf on top. This ensures every flavor mingles beautifully.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic. Generally, you’ll want to let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors transform. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting can speed things up, cooking for about 3 to 4 hours.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

This is the rewarding part! Once the cooking time is up, take out those thighs and shred them using two forks. Toss them back into the slow cooker, mixing everything well. The chicken should absorb the sauce and flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste your dish and make any necessary adjustments. Salt or a bit more paprika, perhaps?

Notes

Here are some tips to keep in mind for perfecting your chorizo slow cooker masterpiece:

Choose Your Chorizo Wisely: Opt for high-quality chorizo. Whether spicy or mild, it dramatically affects the final flavor.
Keep the Skin On: Don’t remove skin from the chicken thighs. Cooking with the skin on adds flavor.
Amount of Liquid: Ensure you have enough liquid for the slow cooker; it should be moist but not swimming—think hearty stew, not soup.
Be Mindful of Olives: These can add significant saltiness. If your olives are brined, adjust your salt levels accordingly.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds a robust flavor. The more, the merrier!

Storage Tips

If you’ve created more than you can eat, worry not! This dish does great at storing. Allow it to cool fully before placing it in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients for one serving:

Calories: Approximately 400-450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g

Tailor your portion sizes to fit your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this tasty chorizo dish in various ways. Here are some ideas:

Serve Over Rice: Ladle the mixture over a fluffy mound of rice for a filling meal.
Tacos: Spoon the filling into corn tortillas, add toppings like shredded lettuce and salsa, and dig in!
Chili Style: Serve it in a bowl like chili, garnished with a dollop of sour cream.
With Crusty Bread: Use your favorite bread to mop up the delectable sauce.
As a Burrito Bowl: Layer with brown rice, guacamole, salsa, and toppings for a fresh touch.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Chorizo Slow Cooker?

If you don’t have chorizo or chicken on hand, try these substitutes:

Ground Beef: A classic alternative adds a different flavor but matches well with other ingredients.
Tempeh: A fantastic option for vegetarians. Crumble it to create that texture.
Italian Sausage: Offers a different spice profile that can also work well.
Lentils: They’re protein-packed and add a hearty consistency.
Tofu: Firm tofu absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

Now you have everything you need to create a delicious chorizo slow cooker dish. The best part? Long after the meal is over, the lingering scents and warmth will wrap around you like a favorite blanket. This dish delivers both comfort and flavor, all while keeping your kitchen stress-free.

Cooking should be enjoyable. This recipe offers just that by marrying simplicity with rich, rewarding flavors. So gather your ingredients, set that slow cooker, and watch as the magic unfolds, one delicious bite at a time. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Chorizo Slow Cooker Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Author: Crystal Ivers Cuisine: Spanish Courses: Dinner, Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 450 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

When I think about serving chorizo slow cooker dishes, my mind races with possibilities. Think warm crusty bread to dip in all that flavorful goodness or fluffy rice that soaks up every drop.

Just imagine garnishing it with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. And don’t get me started on the endless ways to enjoy this dish: tacos, burritos, or even over a bed of nacho chips. A sprinkle of cheese here and a squeeze of lime there, and you’ve got a fiesta!