Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma offers a deliciously tender and flavorful way to enjoy this beloved Middle Eastern dish right at home. With fragrant spices and a simple slow cooking method, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

The image shows a black round serving pan holding a flat pita bread as the base layer. On top of the pita, there is shredded cooked chicken mixed with green herbs, covering about half of the bread on the right side. Next to the chicken, on the top left side, is a pile of diced red tomatoes with bits of green herbs sprinkled on them. Below the tomatoes, on the left edge of the pita, there is a creamy white sauce with chopped green herbs scattered on it. At the bottom center of the pita, there is a mix of chopped purple-red onions and small chunks of white cheese, garnished with more herbs. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with extra sauce is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
Step 3: Place the sliced red onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onions.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice it as desired. Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauces.

Tips & Variations

For a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
Serve with garlic sauce (toum) or tahini for authentic flavor.
Adding chopped fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving brightens the dish.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Storage

Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A round black bowl holds a layered dish starting with a flat white pita bread as the base. On top of the pita, there is shredded cooked chicken with a brown color mixed with small green herb pieces. Next to the chicken, there are diced red tomatoes with green herbs sprinkled on them. On another side, there is a creamy white sauce with green herbs on top, and beside it, there are small pieces of purple onion mixed with crumbled white cheese and green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just be mindful that breasts tend to be leaner and may cook faster, so check frequently to avoid drying out.

What can I serve with slow cooker chicken shawarma?

This dish pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, fresh salads, pickled vegetables, hummus, and sauces like garlic sauce or tahini. Rice or couscous also make great sides.