Take your taste buds on a trip to Portugal with this hearty Slow Cooker Portuguese Chicken & Chorizo. Tender chicken thighs, smoky chorizo sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, white beans, and fragrant herbs slowly simmer together in a rich paprika-infused sauce. Every bite is packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare.

Apart of our Mom Needs A Night Off Series

This comforting one-pot slow cooker dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep, and it’s delicious served with crusty bread, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal
• Rich smoky flavor from chorizo
• Family-friendly international comfort food
• Protein-packed with chicken and white beans
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer friendly
• Budget-friendly ingredients

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About This Recipe

Inspired by the rustic flavors found throughout Portugal, this slow cooker meal combines smoky chorizo, paprika, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs into a rich, comforting sauce. While it’s inspired by Portuguese home cooking, this is a family-friendly version designed to be simple enough for busy weeknights while celebrating the bold flavors that make Portuguese cuisine so memorable.

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How To Make Slow Cooker Portuguese Chicken & Chorizo

Step 1

Lightly grease the slow cooker.

Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, white beans, and sliced chorizo.

Place the chicken thighs on top.

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Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Sweet paprika
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.

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Step 3

Cover and cook:

LOW: 6–7 hours

HIGH: 3–4 hours

The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

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Step 4

Leave the chicken whole or shred it into large pieces before stirring it back into the rich tomato and chorizo sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

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Step 5

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

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What to Serve with Portuguese Chicken & Chorizo

• Fluffy white rice
• Buttered egg noodles
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Crusty artisan bread
• Garlic bread
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Simple green salad

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Tips for the Best Results

• Chicken thighs stay juicy during slow cooking.
• Smoked paprika gives the dish its signature rich flavor.
• If your chorizo releases a lot of oil, skim a little from the surface before serving.
• Stir the beans in gently near the end if you prefer them to hold their shape.
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish beautifully.

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Variations

Add Potatoes

Add baby potatoes during the first few hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.

Make It Heartier

Stir in fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes.

Add Olives

A handful of sliced green or black olives adds a delicious Mediterranean touch.

Extra Vegetables

Try mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for even more hearty goodness.

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Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy chorizo.

What type of chorizo should I use?

Use a fully cooked smoked Portuguese or Spanish-style chorizo for the best flavor and texture in the slow cooker.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes! Assemble all of the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

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More International Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

• Slow Cooker Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
• Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes
• Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon Chowder
• Slow Cooker Marry Me Meatballs
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast