Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

why make this recipe

This Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is perfect for anyone who loves a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors and tender chicken to your table, all while you set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy your day while the chicken cooks to perfection. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week.

how to make Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (Juicy and flavorful; can substitute with breasts but may become drier.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (To keep chicken moist.)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin (Key spice in shawarma.)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander (Adds depth to flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (For color and sweetness.)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric (Adds earthiness.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Essential for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (Enhances the overall taste.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For seasoning.)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (For spice; adjust based on preference.)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (Keeps chicken moist.)
• 1 juice of lemon (Adds brightness to the dish.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, blend the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season the Chicken: Pour the spice mix over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the seasoned chicken.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken: When done, shred the chicken in the cooker using two forks and mix it with the juices.

how to serve Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

You can serve this chicken shawarma in various ways. Try wrapping it in pita bread with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce. Add some pickled vegetables or olives for extra flavor!

how to store Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

tips to make Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you like it spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Use high-quality spices for the best flavor. Fresh spices make a big difference in taste.

variation

You can easily make this recipe your own by adding different spices or ingredients. For a Mediterranean twist, add some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may become drier than thighs because they have less fat.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can cook it in a pot on the stovetop. Just simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water if you don’t have chicken broth. However, broth adds more flavor.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

This Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma offers bold flavors and tender chicken, making it perfect for meal prep or a hassle-free meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful; can substitute with breasts but may become drier.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil To keep chicken moist.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin Key spice in shawarma.
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander Adds depth to flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika For color and sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric Adds earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Essential for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper For spice; adjust based on preference.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth Keeps chicken moist.
• 1 juice of lemon Adds brightness to the dish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by placing the boneless chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, blend the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Pour the spice mix over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
• Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the seasoned chicken.

Cooking

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• When done, shred the chicken in the cooker using two forks and mix it with the juices.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor. Use high-quality spices for the best flavor.

Keyword Chicken Shawarma, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Dish, meal prep, Slow Cooker Recipe