Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe offers a flavorful and tender Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare. Marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken is juicy and packed with smoky, warm flavors. Ideal for a fuss-free meal, served with pita bread and fresh vegetables for a delicious and satisfying experience.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Chicken Shawarma Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced red onion on the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onions for even cooking and infused flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender, fully cooked, and easy to shred.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice as preferred. Serve warm alongside pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauces such as tahini or garlic sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the depth of the shawarma spices.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender results compared to chicken breasts.
- Leftover shredded chicken makes a fantastic filling for wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
- If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.
- Make sure to slice the onions thinly so they cook thoroughly and add sweetness to the dish.
Keywords: chicken shawarma, slow cooker recipe, slow cooked chicken, Middle Eastern chicken, easy chicken shawarma, slow cooker dinner