Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

There’s something truly satisfying about coming home to the smell of Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made it; I had a busy day ahead and wanted to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is that you can simply throw everything in the crock pot, set it, and forget it. As the chicken cooks low and slow, it absorbs all those vibrant spices, transforming into a tender, flavorful meal that delights everyone at the table.

On weekends, my family gathers for dinner, and this recipe has become a staple. The excitement in the room when they smell that aromatic mixture of spices is palpable. It’s not just food; it’s a gathering point for stories, laughter, and creating memories. This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma has traveled from our kitchen to picnics and even game-night dinners, always earning rave reviews.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can serve the shredded chicken in wraps, over rice, or on top of salads—the possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any fresh vegetables or herbs you have on hand. I often make a quick yogurt sauce to accompany it, giving it that extra creaminess that everyone adores. So, if you’re looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in crafting a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Let’s take a look at the key players:

• 2 to 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts – The star of the dish, providing protein and absorbing all the lovely spices.
• 3 to 4 Tbsp avocado oil – This healthy fat helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.
• 1 ½ tsp ground paprika – Adds a sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 ½ tsp ground sumac – Offers a tangy, lemony flavor that brightens the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – A must-have for adding depth and savory notes.
• ½ tsp Aleppo pepper – A mild heat that complements the spices without overwhelming.
• ½ tsp allspice – Brings a warm, sweet flavor reminiscent of the holidays.
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
• ½ tsp ground cumin – Earthy and aromatic, essential for a robust flavor profile.
• ½ tsp ground turmeric – Provides color and health benefits, along with its unique flavor.
• 1 tsp sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken is well seasoned.
• ¼ tsp black pepper – Adds a little kick to the mix.

Recipe Steps for Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is as easy as it gets. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you. Here we go!

1. Start by gathering all your spices in a small bowl. Mix together the ground paprika, ground sumac, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re well combined; this aromatic blend is what will flavor your chicken.

2. Now, drizzle one tablespoon of avocado oil at the bottom of your crock pot. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds flavor.

3. Next, take your chicken and sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides. Be sure to use it all; you want every bite to be full of flavor.

4. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. Then, drizzle in the remaining avocado oil. For an even richer flavor, consider adding an extra one to two tablespoons of oil. Don’t worry if the chicken is layered; it will cook beautifully.

5. Secure the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on Low heat for eight hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender as it cooks.

6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Shredding is an option here, use two forks to pull it apart to your desired consistency, or chop it into chunks if you prefer.

7. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the juices. Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure every bite is juicy and flavorful.

8. Finally, serve your chicken in wraps with sauces like tahini or yogurt, add fresh vegetables, or enjoy it in bowls with rice or salads. The versatility of Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma means you can adapt it to your liking!

Making Adjustments

Making adjustments to your cooking can help tailor recipes to your taste. Here are some tips for your Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months, just thaw it before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted vegetables, or pita bread.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of Aleppo pepper or using a different pepper altogether.
• Fresh Herbs: Top your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added brightness.
• Custom Sauces: Experiment with different sauces; a tahini or yogurt sauce complements the spices perfectly.

What Goes Well With This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a joy, and there are plenty of options to consider. Here’s a list of ideas:

• Pita Bread: Serve the chicken in warm pita bread, allowing everyone to make their own wraps.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
• Salad: Fresh salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion pair beautifully with the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables complement the flavors and add color to your plate.
• Yogurt Sauce: A simple yogurt sauce mixed with herbs makes for a refreshing side.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even casual gatherings; everyone loves Chicken Shawarma.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic way to bring vibrant flavors into your home with minimal effort. It’s all about the ease of preparation while delivering mouthwatering results. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads. Your family and friends will thank you!

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma provides a hearty and flavorful experience. With tender chicken infused with a delightful blend of spices, this easy weeknight dinner is perfect for busy nights. Give it a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 to 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 to 4 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 ½ tsp ground paprika
• 1 ½ tsp ground sumac
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Aleppo pepper
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Crock Pot

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your spices in a small bowl. Mix together the ground paprika, ground sumac, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re well combined; this aromatic blend is what will flavor your chicken.
2. Now, drizzle one tablespoon of avocado oil at the bottom of your crock pot. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds flavor.
3. Next, take your chicken and sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides. Be sure to use it all; you want every bite to be full of flavor.
4. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the crock pot. Then, drizzle in the remaining avocado oil. For an even richer flavor, consider adding an extra one to two tablespoons of oil. Don’t worry if the chicken is layered; it will cook beautifully.
5. Secure the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on Low heat for eight hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender as it cooks.
6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Shredding is an option here, use two forks to pull it apart to your desired consistency, or chop it into chunks if you prefer.
7. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the juices. Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure every bite is juicy and flavorful.
8. Finally, serve your chicken in wraps with sauces like tahini or yogurt, add fresh vegetables, or enjoy it in bowls with rice or salads. The versatility of Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma means you can adapt it to your liking!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months, just thaw it before reheating.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted vegetables, or pita bread.
• Tip 4: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of Aleppo pepper or using a different pepper altogether.
• Tip 5: Top your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added brightness.
• Tip 6: Experiment with different sauces; a tahini or yogurt sauce complements the spices perfectly.

Previous PostSesame Crusted Chicken

Next Post Sheet Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes

Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.