Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling stressed. As you enter your kitchen, the smell of spicy chicken greets you. It’s like a warm hug. This slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe is that magic.
With just a few ingredients, you’ll make a dish that’s easy and full of flavor. It makes any weeknight feel special. This homemade shawarma turns tender chicken into a delicious meal, great for any occasion.
It’s more than just food; it’s a reminder of the joy of cooking. Even on the busiest days, cooking can be rewarding and delightful.
Key Takeaways
- Experience the convenience of hands-off meal preparation.
- Enjoy juicy, aromatic chicken marinated with spices and Greek yogurt.
- Flexibility in serving options for various occasions.
- Quick tips for adding a crispy finish to your chicken.
- Perfect recipe for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe is amazing for many reasons. It’s easy, tastes great, and can be served in many ways. The marinade, made with Greek yogurt and spices, makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Hands-off slow cooker convenience (set-and-forget).
Life can get busy, and this recipe makes a great meal easy to make. Just put everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. You won’t need to check on it, giving you more time to do other things.
Juicy, aromatic chicken (marinated in Greek yogurt and spices).
The marinade is the key to the chicken’s delicious taste. Greek yogurt makes the meat tender and adds flavor. The spices in the marinade make the chicken juicy and aromatic.
Flexible serving—wraps, bowls, salads, rice.
This recipe is great because you can serve it in many ways. You can put it in wraps, rice bowls, or salads. It’s perfect for any meal or occasion, fitting your mood or dietary needs.
Option to broil for crispy finish (like several sources recommend).
If you like a crispy chicken, try broiling it. It adds a nice texture and enhances the flavors. This step takes your meal to a new level of deliciousness.
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
Making homemade slow cooker shawarma is easy and fun. You just need some spices and ingredients. This middle eastern chicken recipe is a hit with everyone. Follow these steps to enjoy a taste of the Middle East at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Whole wheat pita pockets
– For serving: thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, hummus
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix the allspice, oregano, salt, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. Set aside.
2. Combine yogurt and lemon juice in a shallow baking dish. Add half of the spice mixture and mix well. Add chicken thighs, coat them in the yogurt mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Spray the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken and all the yogurt marinade in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a large bowl (discard the cooking liquid). Shred the chicken with two forks, then sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the top. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
5. Serve the flavorful chicken shawarma inside warmed pita bread with your favorite toppings like thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and hummus.
Notes:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight for a more intense taste.
Tips & Variations
Make your easy chicken shawarma even better with a few tweaks. Try different chicken cuts, spices, and ways to use leftovers. This will make your meals more exciting and easy to prepare.
Use thighs for juiciness; breasts work if well-marinated
For juicier shawarma, choose chicken thighs. If you like breasts, marinate them well. This will make them taste better and be tender.
Spice swap ideas: sumac, allspice, Aleppo pepper
Don’t be afraid to try new spices. Use sumac for a tangy flavor, allspice for warmth, and Aleppo pepper for a unique taste. These spices can really enhance your dish.
Make ahead/freezer-friendly: freeze raw or cooked chicken separately for future meals
This recipe is great for meal prep. You can freeze the raw chicken or the cooked shawarma. This way, you can save time and always have a delicious meal ready.
Leftover ideas: shawarma bowls, wraps, salads, stir-fries
Don’t waste leftovers! Turn them into shawarma bowls, wraps, salads, or stir-fries. The possibilities are endless, keeping your meals interesting and full of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Explore different ways to serve your chicken shawarma for a fun dining experience. Each serving can turn your meal into a tasty delight that suits your lifestyle. This dish is versatile, making it easy to meet various dietary needs while enjoying healthy meals.
Pita wraps with shaved chicken, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, sauces.
Place your chicken in warm pita bread. Add fresh lettuce, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomato, and your favorite sauces. This mix makes a healthy, tasty meal that’s simple to make and fun to eat.
Rice bowls with veggies, hummus or yogurt sauce
A rice bowl makes your meal cozy. Put sautéed veggies and creamy hummus or yogurt on fluffy rice. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dinner that’s sure to please.
Meal prep bowls—pair with salads or cauliflower rice for low-carb style
For a low-carb option, try salads or cauliflower rice with your chicken shawarma. Meal prep bowls are great for a quick, healthy meal all week. They make sticking to your diet easy and delicious.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storing your easy chicken shawarma right keeps the flavors fresh for days. It makes meal planning simple. You can enjoy make-ahead chicken shawarma whenever you want.
Refrigerate cooked chicken (airtight) up to 5 days
Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, it stays tasty and moist for up to five days. It’s perfect for quick meals.
Freeze with or without broth; thaw before reheating or broiling
Freezing is great for long-term storage. You can freeze it with marinade for extra flavor or without for a lighter taste. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready.
If you want it crispy, broil the chicken after thawing. It brings back its great texture.
Nutrition & Servings (Optional)
Learning about the nutrition in chicken shawarma can help you reach your health goals. This recipe is a great example of healthy slow cooker meals. It’s tasty and fits your dietary needs. Here’s a detailed look at the nutrition per serving of the Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Conclusion
Homemade slow cooker shawarma is a standout dish. It’s easy to make and offers tender, flavorful chicken. The dish’s aromatic spices and juicy texture make it unforgettable.
This dish is also very versatile. You can serve it in pita wraps, rice bowls, or salads. Each way is satisfying. You can make your own plates with vibrant flavors.
Trying homemade slow cooker shawarma is more than just eating. It’s a flavorful journey. We encourage you to try it, enjoy the taste, and share your experiences. Join the shawarma community and celebrate homemade cooking!
If you enjoyed this chicken shawarma, you might also love our other flavorful chicken creations like Honey Butter Chicken or Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn. For a lighter Mediterranean side, try this refreshing Mediterranean Bean Salad.
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 large lemons
- 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Whole wheat pita pockets
- - For serving: thinly sliced red onion fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, hummus
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the allspice, oregano, salt, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. Set aside.
- Combine yogurt and lemon juice in a shallow baking dish. Add half of the spice mixture and mix well. Add chicken thighs, coat them in the yogurt mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Spray the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken and all the yogurt marinade in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a large bowl (discard the cooking liquid). Shred the chicken with two forks, then sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over the top. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Serve the flavorful chicken shawarma inside warmed pita bread with your favorite toppings like thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and hummus.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight for a more intense taste.
