Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and fuss-free way to enjoy the bold, spiced taste of traditional Middle Eastern shawarma—no rotisserie or grill required. This tender, juicy chicken is infused with a fragrant blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, making it ideal for wraps, bowls, or salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker version of chicken shawarma brings all the vibrant flavors of the classic dish with minimal hands-on effort. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. The chicken turns out tender and juicy every time, and the spice blend delivers a delicious, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with flatbreads, rice, or veggies.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Garlic
• Ground cumin
• Ground paprika
• Ground turmeric
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground allspice
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, spices, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Add sliced red onion on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss with the juices.
7. Serve warm with pita, rice, or in a salad, and garnish with parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low)

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner version (but reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out).
• Add sliced bell peppers or tomatoes to the slow cooker for extra veggies.
• Serve with garlic sauce, tzatziki, or tahini dressing for added richness.
• Spice it up by increasing the cayenne or adding harissa.
• Turn it into a shawarma rice bowl with cucumber, tomatoes, and hummus.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier in the slow cooker. Reduce cook time slightly if using breasts.

What’s the best way to serve chicken shawarma?

In pita wraps, on rice or couscous, or over greens as a salad. Add sauces like tzatziki or garlic sauce.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for about 3 hours until the chicken is fully tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced with a small amount of cayenne. Adjust to taste if you prefer more heat.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

No marination is necessary—it all happens during the slow cooking process.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, mix the marinade and coat the chicken the night before. Refrigerate overnight and cook the next day.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months and reheat when ready to serve.

What sides go well with chicken shawarma?

Try rice, pita bread, tabbouleh, hummus, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

You can use a pre-made shawarma spice blend or substitute with garam masala for a slightly different but flavorful result.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, bake covered at 375°F for about 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the iconic flavors of shawarma at home. With minimal prep and bold spices, this dish transforms everyday chicken into something truly special. Serve it your favorite way and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and hard to forget.

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