Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, it’s perfect served in pita bread or over rice with a refreshing yogurt or tahini sauce.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pita bread or rice (for serving)
- Yogurt or tahini sauce (for serving)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Layer the Onion: Place the sliced onion evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker to form a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the sliced onions. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken back into the juices to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken wrapped in pita bread or over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with yogurt or tahini sauce for a creamy finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chili flakes.
- To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Can be served with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for added freshness.
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma Recipe, Slow Cooker Middle Eastern Chicken, Easy Shawarma, Slow Cooker Dinner