Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken

Last updated on: November 26, 2025

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Some days, cooking feels like a chore. That’s exactly why this high-protein Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken exists. It’s a bold, fiery, North-African-inspired dish where your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and you take all the credit.

The magic comes from harissa paste, a spicy North African chilli blend that transforms humble chicken breast into something smoky, rich, and deeply satisfying. After a few hours on LOW or HIGH, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, ready to be shredded and stirred with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt for creaminess.

This one ticks all the boxes for busy weeknights, meal prep, menopause-friendly fullness, and anyone who wants around 62 g protein per serving without lifting more than a finger

Why you’ll love this high-protein recipe

• 62 g protein per portion to keep you full, energised, and well-fed.

• Dump-and-go convenience — the slow cooker does the graft.

• Spicy, smoky, and customisable depending on your harissa heat level.

• Perfect for batch cooking — freezes like a dream.

• Simple supermarket ingredients you probably already have.

Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Key Ingredients (And Why They’re Amazing)

Chicken Breast. The protein powerhouse. Keeps things lean, tender, and shreds beautifully after slow cooking.

Harissa Paste. The star of the show! Smoky, spicy, and packed with bold North African flavours that bring this dish to life.

Garlic. Because everything tastes better with garlic. That’s just a fact.

Honey. A little sweetness to balance out the heat. Think of it as harissa’s calming best mate.

Lemon Juice. Fresh, zesty, and keeps things bright. Also, an excellent excuse to squeeze it dramatically like a TV chef.

Smoked Paprika. Adds a deep, smoky flavour. Because why just be spicy when you can be smoky and spicy?

Ground Cumin. Warm, earthy, and absolutely essential for that rich, spiced depth.

Chicken Stock. Keeps everything juicy while adding extra savoury goodness. Hydration is key—even for chicken.

Tomato Purée. Rich, tangy, and helps give the sauce that deep, bold flavour (and a nice colour, too).

Salt. Because bland food is a crime.

Cornflour. Thickens up the sauce so it clings to every delicious bite. Nobody likes a watery sauce.

Greek Yoghurt. Stirred in at the end for a creamy, cooling finish. The perfect contrast to all that spice.

Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken

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4.8 from 4 reviews

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Spicy, smoky, and packed with protein, this slow cooker harissa chicken is an easy, flavourful one-pot meal with minimal effort and maximum taste!

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 5 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• 1kg chicken breast
• 40 g harissa paste
• 20 g garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp honey
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 200ml chicken stock
• 30g cornflour
• 40 g tomato puree
• 1 tsp salt
• 40 ml Greek yoghurt (to stir in at the end)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Chuck everything except the Greek yoghurt into the slow cooker. No need for faff—just throw it in and stir.

Set it to HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. Then go and live your life.

Come back to the smell of spicy, slow-cooked perfection. Give it a stir and check that the chicken is fork-tender.

Stir in the Greek yoghurt at the end for a creamy finish and shred with two forks or serve the chicken breasts whole.

Serve with rice, couscous, flatbreads, or just a big spoon.

Devour. Try not to burn your mouth because you’re too impatient to wait.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 2 - 4 hours
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Slow Cooker

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 363
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 62g

Keeping Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken For Later

To Store

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat

Microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway. Add extra yoghurt if you prefer it creamier.

To Freeze

Freeze in portion containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Fluffy rice or couscous

• Quinoa for extra protein

• Stuffed into wraps or pittas

• Over a baked potato

• With roasted vegetables

Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and even more forgiving in a slow cooker. Just trim any excess fat and proceed as normal.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken?

It depends on your harissa paste! Some are mild, some will melt your face off. Taste it beforehand and adjust accordingly. If it’s too hot, add more yoghurt or honey at the end.

What should I serve this with?

Rice, couscous, quinoa, or just a spoon and no witnesses. It also works well stuffed into wraps or piled on top of a baked potato.

Can I make it without a slow cooker?

Yep! Just simmer it on the hob in a covered pan for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.

If You Liked Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken, Try These!

Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine. This slow-cooked beauty is loaded with fragrant spices, melt-in-your-mouth lamb, and just the right touch of sweetness from dried fruit. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but really, your slow cooker did all the hard work. Serve with fluffy couscous and pretend you're in Morocco.

Moroccan Beef & Apricot Tagine. A rich and aromatic North African-inspired dish, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness from dried apricots. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with deep, warming flavours—ideal for when you want to feel like you're dining in a Marrakech souk without leaving your kitchen.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tarragon Chicken is the stuff of dreams. Juicy chicken, a silky white wine sauce, and a hit of fragrant tarragon, all bubbling away in your slow cooker while you go about your business. Plus, it's high in protein, meaning you can feel all smug and healthy while scoffing it down.

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