Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: 5 Steps to Culinary Bliss Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; Pita bread, for serving; Fresh vegetables, for serving

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe offers a flavorful and tender Middle Eastern-inspired dish made easy with a slow cooker. Marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, the chicken absorbs rich aromatic flavors, resulting in juicy, shreddable meat perfect for serving with pita bread and fresh vegetables. A convenient and delicious way to enjoy authentic shawarma at home with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup plain yogurt

Serving

Pita bread, for serving
Fresh vegetables, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and plain yogurt. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with aromatic spices.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and thoroughly coat each piece with the mixture. This allows the spices and yogurt to tenderize and flavor the meat deeply.
Place in Slow Cooker: Transfer the marinated chicken thighs into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Meat: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or transfer to a plate for shredding. This creates the signature texture of shawarma.
Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
You can add sliced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker for more texture and flavor.
Leftover shawarma makes a great filling for sandwiches or salads.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best tenderness and flavor absorption.
Adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your taste preference.