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Chorizo Slow Cooker Recipe

Chorizo Slow Cooker Recipe - Easy Family Meal

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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chicken stock 240ml
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes 14 oz/400g
  • 1 can butter beans, drained 14 oz/400g substitute with cannellini or another large bean
  • 4 large boneless or bone-in skinless chicken thighs see notes
  • 7 oz Spanish or cured chorizo, diced into bite-sized pieces 200g
  • 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 or substitute with sugar
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • A splash of vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional, for additional herb flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. 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)
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. Taste your dish and make any necessary adjustments. Salt or a bit more paprika, perhaps?

Notes

  • 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!