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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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