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Chicken Shawarma

Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma Made Easy in Your Slow Cooker

This Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the Mediterranean to your table with tender, flavorful chicken and a creamy yogurt sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken Thighs Using thighs ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
  • 1 medium Onion Slice thinly for best results.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced for even flavor distribution.
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Can substitute with dairy-free yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed enhances flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Smoked paprika can be used for deeper flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Key for warming earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds mild heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Provides color and earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to spice preference.
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Creamy base for the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Grated for texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Enhances the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Adds brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste.
  • 1/8 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for extra heat.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Pitas Warm for softness.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them, sealing the bag tightly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
  3. Slice the onion and layer it at the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the marinated chicken thighs on top.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken and shred it, placing it back into the slow cooker to warm in the juices for about 10 minutes.
  6. Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, cumin, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  7. Warm the pitas and fill each with shredded chicken and yogurt sauce, adding toppings as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinating the chicken the night before enhances flavor. Chicken thighs yield more moisture and flavor, preventing dryness. Consider browning the onions before adding to enhance flavors.

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