The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe Ever Made

Aromas of Middle Eastern spices dance through my kitchen whenever I prepare this incredible slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe.

The blend of warm, fragrant seasonings instantly transports you to bustling street markets in Lebanon.

My grandmother’s traditional techniques inspired this simplified version that requires minimal effort.

Each tender bite promises rich, complex flavors that emerge gently during slow cooking.

Marinating the chicken beforehand allows deep penetration of garlic, cumin, and paprika.

Mediterranean comfort arrives effortlessly with minimal prep work and maximum deliciousness.

I promise this dish will become a weeknight staple that impresses everyone around your table.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Is Full Of Spice

• Simplify Meal Prep: This slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe takes the hassle out of cooking, allowing you to dump ingredients and walk away while delicious flavors develop.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the tender, spice-packed chicken in pitas, over rice, or atop fresh salads, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: With just a quick marinade and easy slow cooker technique, you'll spend less than 15 minutes preparing a restaurant-quality meal that tastes like it took hours to make.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The blend of aromatic spices creates an authentic Middle Eastern taste that will impress family and friends, transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, perfect for slow cooking and creating succulent shawarma.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps chicken moist during slow cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor that complements the spices.

• Paprika, Cumin, Turmeric, Salt, Black Pepper: Warm, earthy spices that create traditional Middle Eastern shawarma flavor profile, offering depth and complexity to the dish.

• Onions: Provides sweet undertones and creates a flavorful base for slow cooking the chicken.

• Pitas, Rice, Salad: Classic carriers for shawarma that complement the spiced chicken.
• Garlic Sauce, Hummus, Tzatziki: Creamy condiments that add richness and cooling contrast to the spiced meat.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Explosion

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Prepared spice mixture

Create a vibrant marinade that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Embrace the Marination Magic

Nestle chicken thighs into the flavor bath. Massage the marinade thoroughly, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal in a container and let the magic happen in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates (aim for overnight), the more intense the flavor becomes.

Step 3: Slow Cooker Symphony

• Thinly slice sweet onions
• Spread onions across the bottom of the slow cooker

Gently lay the marinated chicken pieces on the onion bed. Pour any remaining marinade over the top, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Step 4: Low and Slow Transformation

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Wait patiently as the chicken transforms into tender, mouthwatering perfection.

Step 5: Optional Crispy Finish

• Transfer chicken to a baking sheet
• Slide under the broiler
• Char edges for 3-5 minutes

Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Unleash the Feast

• Warm pita pockets
• Fluffy rice
• Fresh salad

• Creamy garlic sauce
• Smooth hummus
• Tangy tzatziki

Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to allow spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating a more intense and delicious shawarma experience.
• Prevent Dryness Trick: Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe, as they contain more fat and remain juicier during slow cooking, ensuring a moist and succulent result.
• Quick Crisp-Up Method: After slow cooking, briefly broiling the chicken adds those signature crispy edges and caramelized bits that mimic traditional shawarma restaurant cooking techniques.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Transform leftovers into different meals by using shredded chicken in salads, wraps, grain bowls, or as a protein topping for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap pita bread with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising on authentic shawarma flavors.

How To Keep Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Seal containers tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the chicken's juicy texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for convenient meal prep, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw refrigerated portions overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• When reheating, cover the chicken to retain its tenderness and prevent it from becoming tough or rubbery.

What To Eat With Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the aromatic shawarma with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the rich spices and enhancing the lemony marinade.
• Serve with Classic Mediterranean Sides: Accompany the chicken with fresh tabbouleh, creamy hummus, pickled vegetables, and warm flatbread to create a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Tzatziki: Balance the warm spices by adding homemade tzatziki sauce, which brings a tangy, cool yogurt element that perfectly matches the tender, flavorful chicken.
• Match with Light Beer Option: Enjoy a cold Lebanese Almaza or crisp pilsner that helps cleanse the palate and provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced shawarma chicken.

Flavor Variations For Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• Spicy Moroccan Spin: Replace the original spice blend with ras el hanout, adding extra cayenne for a fiery kick. Use lamb instead of chicken for a rich, bold flavor profile that brings North African warmth to your meal.
• Mediterranean Veggie Version: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. Keep the same marinade and slow cooker method, creating a hearty vegetarian option packed with intense Middle Eastern spices.
• Greek Island Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives during the last hour of cooking. Finish with fresh oregano and serve over lemony couscous for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Coconut Curry Remix: Blend in coconut milk and mild curry powder with the original marinade. Add diced sweet potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker for a creamy, slightly sweet variation that brings Southeast Asian notes to the traditional shawarma.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma FAQ

• What makes this chicken shawarma recipe different from traditional restaurant versions?

This slow cooker method ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and infused with rich spices, without the need for a vertical rotisserie. It’s a convenient home-cooking approach that delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their higher fat content and more robust flavor, you can use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs in the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice blend provides warmth and depth without being overly hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade. The beauty of homemade shawarma is that you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

Not at all! A standard slow cooker and a few basic kitchen tools are all you need. The recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken shawarma elevates home cooking with Middle Eastern spices and tender meat. Fragrant layers of garlic, cumin, and paprika create a simple yet irresistible meal you can savor with warm pita and fresh herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Aromatic Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice

Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant spice blend by whisking together aromatic ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, and olive oil into the spice mixture, creating a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with deep, complex flavors.
3. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the protein to absorb the spices by refrigerating for a minimum of one hour, though overnight marination will yield more intense taste profiles.
4. Layer thinly sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the marinated chicken. Carefully arrange the seasoned meat atop the onion foundation.
5. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken, guaranteeing maximum flavor penetration. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for six hours or high temperature for four hours.
6. Verify chicken doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat easily pulls apart with a fork. For added textural dimension, transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until edges caramelize and crisp slightly.
7. Deconstruct the chicken into succulent shreds or neat slices. Present within warm pita bread, nestled over fragrant rice, or atop a crisp salad. Accompany with classic Mediterranean condiments like garlicky tzatziki, creamy hummus, or zesty yogurt sauce.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste compared to boneless alternatives.
• Adjust spice blend according to personal heat tolerance by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cayenne amounts.
• For gluten-free option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pitas or wheat-based grains.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg