Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe infuses tender chicken thighs with a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices, slow-cooked to perfection for a mouthwatering, juicy result. Served in warm pita bread with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and creamy tahini sauce, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy authentic shawarma flavors at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
To Serve
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended spice marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the spice mixture, ensuring every piece is covered for maximum flavor absorption.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
- Cook the chicken: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or alternatively, cook on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker for easier serving and an authentic shawarma texture.
- Assemble and serve: Warm the pita breads, then fill each with shredded chicken, sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, finish the shredded chicken under a broiler for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for easiest shredding and juiciness.
- Leftover shawarma can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
