Go Back
+ servings
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: Effortless Flavor Explosion

Experience the effortless flavor explosion of Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, delivering a culinary adventure with tender, spiced chicken thighs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt substitute with non-dairy yogurt for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice lemon zest can enhance flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; roasted garlic for sweeter flavor
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika smoked paprika preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground recommended
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric omit if unavailable
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon use sparingly
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Chicken and Base Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs skinless and boneless preferred
  • 1 large onion yellow or white, sliced
  • 4 pieces pitas gluten-free options available
  • 1 medium cucumber for yogurt sauce, diced

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Coat the chicken thighs evenly in the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Slice the onion into thin rings and lay evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onions, cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs, shred them into bite-sized pieces, and return to the slow cooker.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine more Greek yogurt with minced garlic, diced cucumber, a splash of lemon juice, ground cumin, and salt. Stir until creamy.
  6. Warm pita bread and fill each with shredded chicken, drizzle yogurt sauce on top and add your favorite fresh veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight. Customize toppings according to preferences. Leftovers store well and can enhance flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!