Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: A Savory Middle Eastern Treat

Posted by Santa

Posted on

Soups & Breads & Pastries

I have a deliciously savory treat for you today that’ll warm you from the inside out: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma! This recipe is one of those magical meals that fills the house with mouth-watering aromas and gets everyone excited about dinner. I remember the first time I made shawarma at home—my friends were convinced I had a secret Middle Eastern recipe passed down through generations! Spoiler alert: I didn’t; I just invested in a great slow cooker and a few simple spices.

What I love most about this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is its incredible depth of flavor combined with how easy it is to prepare. Set it and forget it! Just toss the chicken and spices in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll be treated to chicken that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with Middle Eastern goodness. Perfect for wraps, salads, or even just over rice—the possibilities are endless!

What’s in Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful as they cook. Plus, they’re often more affordable than chicken breasts!

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a punch of flavor that’s quintessential to shawarma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but nothing beats the real deal.

Cumin and Coriander: These spices are the backbone of shawarma’s warm flavor. They create that characteristic taste that transports you to the bustling markets of the Middle East.

Paprika: For a lovely color and a hint of smokiness, paprika is essential. I like using smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon may sound odd, but it brings a nice warmth to the dish that complements the savory spices beautifully.

Salt and Pepper: Simple, but necessary. Don’t skimp on seasoning, as it really brings all the flavors together.

Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds a touch of richness.

Lemon Juice: This brightens up the flavors and gives the chicken a lovely tang. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best if you have it!

Is Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Good for You?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is packed with protein thanks to the chicken thighs, making it a filling and nutritious option.

Chicken: This lean meat is great for muscle building and maintaining energy levels. Plus, it’s loaded with B vitamins.

Spices: Ingredients like cumin and coriander have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

The biggest consideration is to keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re looking to control calorie intake—it’s easy to overindulge when the dish is this tasty! And if you’re watching your sodium, use less salt than recommended and go for low-sodium options where possible.

Ingredients List

– 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 tsp ground coriander
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma?

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully, even if we’re actually slow cooking them!

2. **Mix the Marinade:** In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well until it forms a paste.

3. **Coat the Chicken:** Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs. Make sure they are well-coated to absorb all those fantastic flavors!

4. **Cook:** Place the chicken in the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—just long enough for the chicken to become tender and pull-apart easy.

5. **Shred and Serve:** Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the cooker to soak up more of those lovely juices.

6. **Enjoy:** Serve the shawarma in warm pita or flatbreads, piled high with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce.

Flavorful Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize your shawarma experience! You can add toppings like hummus, tzatziki, or a crunchy salad. If you want to go all out, why not try pairing it with some fluffy couscous or a side of roasted vegetables? You could even make it a feast by serving your shawarma with homemade falafel for that extra Middle Eastern flair!

I really hope you give this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma a try! It’s become a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will become a staple in yours too. The best part? I’d love to hear about your experience, any tweaks you made, or how your loved ones enjoyed it!

You might also like these recipes