Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a wonderful dish that brings the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right into your home. This recipe is easy and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend meal. The slow cooker lets the chicken become tender and flavorful, allowing the spices to blend wonderfully. Plus, you can serve it in many ways, such as wraps, salads, or rice bowls!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with shawarma spices, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the seasoned chicken on top of the onion.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and serve in salads, wraps, or bowls.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

You can enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma in many ways. Try it in a warm pita or flatbread with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Adding cucumber, tomatoes, and pickles makes it even more delicious! Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for an extra touch.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, you can thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the spices and olive oil before cooking.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less shawarma spice mix.
• Try using different cuts of chicken, like drumsticks or wings, for a different texture.

Variation

You can turn this chicken shawarma into a vegetarian dish by using chickpeas or jackfruit instead of chicken. Simply season the chickpeas or jackfruit with the same spices and follow the cooking instructions.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.

2. What if I don’t have shawarma spice mix?
   You can make your own by mixing spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, and turmeric.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
   Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop in a pot, just adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma!

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

A flavorful and easy recipe for tender Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma that brings the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine to your home, perfect for wraps, salads, or rice bowls.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts Use thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
• 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix Adjust amount to taste.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For marinating the chicken.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for the best flavor.
• 1 onion, sliced Acts as a bed for the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Salt and pepper, to taste Seasoning for the chicken.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Adds freshness when serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with shawarma spices, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the seasoned chicken on top of the onion.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
2. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks.

Serving

1. Serve in salads, wraps, or bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the spices and olive oil before cooking. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less shawarma spice mix. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or jackfruit and season with the same spices.