This is the best 5-ingredient Spanish Chicken recipe you can try, made in the slow cooker using chicken thighs, red wine vinegar, tamari, garlic powder, and cinnamon sticks and takes less than 6 hours to become irresistibly tender.

To make this Spanish Chicken in the slow cooker, you’ll need 8 chicken thighs, 1/2 to 1 cup of red wine vinegar, 2/3 cup of tamari, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 4 cinnamon sticks. Mix the liquid ingredients and garlic powder, pour over the chicken, add broken cinnamon sticks, and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

And voila! A deliciously simple way to bring Spanish flavors to your dinner table. Check out the full recipe below to see how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser.

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Is It Necessary To Sear the Chicken Before Slow Cooking?

Searing the chicken isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. This extra step caramelizes the surface of the meat, adding a depth of flavor to your dish that slow cooking alone won’t achieve. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip it, but for the best flavor, give those thighs a quick sear.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Spanish Chicken recipe is perfect for making ahead. Once cooked, let it cool down, then store it in the fridge or freezer as directed. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, making your reheated meal possibly even more delicious than it was fresh out of the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken Ingredients

• 8 chicken thighs, skinned
• 1/2 to 1 cup of red wine vinegar
• 2/3 cup of tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 4 cinnamon sticks, 6 inches each

How To Make Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken

1. Prep your chicken: If you’re feeling fancy, give those chicken thighs a quick sear in a nonstick skillet to lock in the flavors. Once they’re looking golden, transfer them to your greased slow cooker.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce), and garlic powder.
3. Cinnamon surprise: Snap those cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces to unleash their spicy-sweet goodness. Tuck these fragrant treasures among the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
4. Slow cook to perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Now, let the slow cooker work its magic for 5–6 hours. What you’re aiming for is chicken that’s so tender it practically melts at the touch of a fork, but still juicy and not dry.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the Chicken: Before popping the chicken into the slow cooker, sear it in a pan to enhance its flavor and give it a beautiful golden exterior.
• Layering Ingredients: Place half the cinnamon sticks at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding chicken for an even distribution of that warm, spicy flavor.
• Vinegar Varieties: Experiment with different types of vinegar like sherry or balsamic for a subtle twist on the tanginess of the dish.
• Garlic Upgrade: Swap out the garlic powder for minced fresh garlic to add a more vibrant and aromatic garlic punch to your chicken.
• Sauce Thickening: If you desire a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the vinegar mixture for an herbaceous touch that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Introduce a bit of heat by including a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes into the sauce mixture.
• Sweet Balance: For a hint of sweetness, include a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar into your vinegar and tamari mixture.
• Vegetable Addition: Toss in some bell peppers and onions in the last hour of cooking for a colorful and nutritious boost.
• Citrus Twist: Squeeze the juice of one orange into the sauce for a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the dish.

What To Serve With Spanish Chicken

Serve Spanish Chicken with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a Mediterranean salad featuring romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and a homemade vinaigrette, buttered green beans, glazed carrots, or Spanish-style rice.

Choose sides that will complement the rich and aromatic flavors of the chicken for a well-rounded meal.

How To Store Spanish Chicken

In The Fridge:

Place Spanish Chicken in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Ensure it’s not left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

In The Freezer:

Spanish Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap it securely in freezer wrap or aluminum foil. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

How To Reheat Spanish Chicken

To reheat Spanish Chicken, place it in a covered skillet over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Alternatively, reheat it in an oven preheated to 350°F, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. Adding a bit of chicken broth can help maintain moisture.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
• Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Duck Legs