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Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma


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  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 270 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (optional)

Description

Tender, shreddable chicken infused with warm spices, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.2 kg (2.5 lb) chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
  • 60 ml (4 tbsp) olive oil
  • 60 ml (4 tbsp) lemon juice
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) white vinegar
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced (~24 g)
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) ground cumin
  • 10 g (2 tsp) ground coriander
  • 10 g (2 tsp) smoked paprika
  • 5 g (1 tsp) ground turmeric
  • 1 g (1/4 tsp) ground cinnamon
  • 9 g (1 1/2 tsp) salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/21 tsp Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 120 g (1/2 cup) plain yogurt or tahini (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Toast and grind the spices: Toast cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then grind or use pre-ground spices and stir with paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, and the spice mix. Whisk until emulsified.
  3. Coat the chicken and arrange in the slow cooker: Pat chicken thighs dry and rub the marinade over each piece. Place skin-side down in an even layer.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temp.
  5. Shred and broil for char: Transfer cooked chicken to a rimmed baking sheet, shred with forks, toss with olive oil and broil for 2–3 minutes until edges char.
  6. Make the garlic-yogurt sauce (optional): Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and water to thin, then chill.
  7. Serve: Serve on warm pita, rice, or greens with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickles. Drizzle sauce and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, replace yogurt with tahini. Make ahead and refrigerate shredded chicken for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg