Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe offers a flavorful, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s tender, juicy, and perfect for a hands-off meal. Marinated with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s ideal for serving with pita bread and fresh vegetables for a wholesome and delicious dinner.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Spice Marinade:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinade Liquid:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (like cucumbers and tomatoes)
- Optional toppings (like feta cheese or pickled onions)
- Prepare the Spice Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the minced garlic with ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a fragrant and flavorful spice blend.
- Make the Marinade Liquid: Add olive oil, plain yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice to the spice mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are blended into a smooth marinade.
- Combine Chicken and Marinade: Place the boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated to absorb the rich flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir it well with the juices to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded chicken warm with pita bread, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and optional toppings such as feta cheese or pickled onions. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicy results.
- If you prefer, you can broil the shredded chicken for a few minutes to get crispy edges before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Serve with your preferred side dishes like rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 4 ounces chicken plus marinade)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, Shawarma Recipe, Middle Eastern Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipes, Easy Chicken Shawarma