The beauty of this slow cooker Chicken Shawarma lies in its simplicity and deep, aromatic flavors. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the fragrant spices, creating an irresistibly juicy and flavorful dish. Wrapped in warm pita with fresh toppings and a tangy yogurt sauce, this meal is both satisfying and effortless.
Perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even serving at gatherings, this Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the authentic taste of the Middle East to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal or simply craving a comforting, spiced dish, this slow cooker shawarma is sure to become a favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for serving)
- 4 pita breads or wraps
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Add the sliced red onion on top and cover.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the juices in the slow cooker.
- Warm the pita bread or wraps before serving.
- Assemble the shawarma by spreading Greek yogurt on the pita, adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a generous portion of the chicken.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and roll up tightly. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is a popular dish from Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its bold flavors, tender texture, and aromatic spices. Traditionally, shawarma is made by layering marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie, where it slow-cooks and is shaved off in thin slices. While the classic preparation requires specialized equipment, this slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe brings the same deep flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to marinate and cook at a low temperature, absorbing all the fragrant spices while remaining juicy and tender. This method not only makes the dish incredibly easy to prepare but also enhances the depth of flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a protein-packed dish for meal prep, or an easy dinner for busy nights, this slow cooker chicken shawarma is the perfect choice.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Is the Best
1. Authentic Flavors with Minimal Effort
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how it captures the traditional shawarma flavor without needing a rotisserie or complex cooking techniques. A simple yet flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices—cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander—ensures an authentic taste.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to absorb these rich spices while remaining moist and tender. Instead of standing over a hot stove or oven, you can set it and forget it, making this recipe a game-changer for home cooks.
2. Healthier Than Takeout
Shawarma from restaurants is often high in fat and sodium, especially when it’s cooked with excess oil or served with creamy sauces. This homemade slow cooker version allows full control over the ingredients, making it a much healthier option.
- Lean protein: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the dish is rich in protein while staying tender.
- Healthy fats: Instead of excessive oils, this recipe uses just a small amount of olive oil, which is packed with heart-healthy benefits.
- No preservatives: Unlike store-bought shawarma or fast food versions, this homemade recipe is free from additives and preservatives.
You can also pair it with fresh vegetables, whole wheat pita, or a light yogurt sauce for a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
This slow cooker chicken shawarma is an excellent meal prep option. The chicken stays moist and flavorful for days, making it easy to store and reheat. You can prepare a large batch and enjoy it in different ways throughout the week.
Here are some ideas for using leftovers:
✔ Wrap it in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and hummus.
✔ Serve it over basmati rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
✔ Make a shawarma salad with cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese.
✔ Use it as a topping for Mediterranean-style flatbreads or pizzas.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This slow cooker chicken shawarma is made with simple pantry staples. Here’s what you need:
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Preferred for their tenderness and ability to stay juicy during slow cooking. You can also use chicken breasts, but they might be slightly drier.
- Spices: A mix of cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander gives this dish its signature warm, earthy flavor.
- Garlic & Lemon Juice: Essential for adding brightness and depth to the marinade.
- Red Onion: Adds mild sweetness and balances the spices.
- Olive Oil: Helps carry the flavors and ensures the chicken stays moist.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Want it spicier? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a heat boost.
- No red onion? Use yellow onion or shallots instead.
- Low-carb version? Skip the pita and serve it over cauliflower rice or a low-carb salad.
- Dairy-free option? Use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce or skip it entirely.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
This recipe is incredibly easy and requires only 10 minutes of prep time before letting the slow cooker work its magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is what gives the chicken its traditional shawarma flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over them. Toss well to coat evenly. Add sliced red onions on top for extra flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: Shred and Mix
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it with the flavorful juices in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Warm up pita bread and layer with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shawarma chicken, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or sumac for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker chicken shawarma is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
1. Classic Pita Wrap
Wrap the shredded chicken in soft pita bread with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
2. Shawarma Bowl
Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous, topped with hummus, pickled onions, and cucumbers.
3. Low-Carb Plate
Skip the bread and serve the chicken over a Mediterranean salad with olives and feta cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or cook it in a pan over medium heat until fully done.
2. Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
3. How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
This shawarma chicken stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken shawarma is the perfect combination of bold spices, tender texture, and easy preparation. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making a family-friendly dinner, or just craving a healthier version of shawarma, this recipe is a must-try.
Not only does it deliver authentic flavors, but it also requires minimal effort—just set it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Plus, with so many serving options, you’ll never get bored of this dish!
Try this slow cooker chicken shawarma today and bring the delicious taste of the Middle East straight to your home kitchen!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern flavors without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. This recipe brings together warm, aromatic spices, tender and juicy chicken, and effortless slow cooking, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a flavorful dinner the whole family will love.
Not only is this homemade shawarma healthier than takeout, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it in a wrap, over rice, or as part of a fresh Mediterranean-style salad. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish proves that simple cooking can still be bold and exciting.
Whether you’re a fan of slow cooker recipes, love exploring new cuisines, or just want a stress-free, delicious meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a must-try. Give it a go and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the Middle East right from your kitchen!