Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma brings the rich and aromatic flavors of the Middle East to your table with ease. This simplified version of the traditional recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a warm and vibrant spice blend, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Whether you pair it with fluffy turmeric rice, crisp Jerusalem salad, or tuck it into a gluten-free pita, this recipe offers endless versatility. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even entertaining guests. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a mix of breasts and thighs)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh lemon juice for serving
- Optional: Lemon tahini sauce (see notes in blog post for recipe)
Directions:
- Place the chicken and water into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker, discard liquid, and slice each piece against the grain.
- In a large bowl, mix cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper to make the spice mix.
- Preheat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken.
- Fry the chicken without stirring until the edges are crisp. Add the remaining olive oil, flip the chicken, and stir gently to coat evenly with spices. Fry until the chicken is fully crisped.
- Serve warm with lemon tahini sauce, a drizzle of lemon juice, and your choice of sides like rice, pita, or salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 317 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Appeal of Slow Cooker Recipes
One of the key advantages of using a slow cooker for this recipe is its convenience. Life can get busy, and finding the time to prepare a complex dish isn’t always feasible. A slow cooker transforms the traditionally time-intensive process of making shawarma into a hands-off experience, allowing the spices and chicken to meld together perfectly while you go about your day. The result is a dish that tastes as though it was prepared with hours of attentive care but requires only a few simple steps.
Additionally, slow cookers are a boon for meal prepping. This recipe can easily be doubled to provide leftovers for the week, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Whether you’re looking to save time during weeknight dinners or prep for a family gathering, this dish fits seamlessly into your schedule.
A Nutrient-Rich Meal
This slow cooker chicken shawarma recipe isn’t just flavorful; it’s packed with nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune health, and maintaining energy levels. The spice blend used in shawarma also offers numerous health benefits. Turmeric, a key ingredient in the mix, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while cumin aids in digestion and supports metabolism.
By serving the shawarma with complementary sides like a fresh salad, rice, or vegetables, you can create a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. Opting for a cauliflower rice base or wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves makes it suitable for those following low-carb or Whole30 diets, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
A Customizable Dish for Every Occasion
One of the standout features of this chicken shawarma recipe is its versatility. It can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for different occasions and preferences. For a casual family dinner, serve the shawarma over fluffy basmati or turmeric rice, garnished with a drizzle of lemon tahini sauce. If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider arranging the chicken on a platter alongside pita bread, hummus, and pickled vegetables for a DIY shawarma bar that lets guests build their own plates.
For those who prefer a lighter meal, a crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley pairs wonderfully with the spiced chicken. The dish can also be transformed into a wrap, sandwich, or even a grain bowl, allowing you to tailor it to your liking.
The Flavors of the Middle East at Home
The magic of shawarma lies in its spice blend, which is what makes this dish truly shine. The combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon creates a symphony of flavors that is warm, earthy, and slightly smoky. These spices are staples of Middle Eastern cooking and lend the dish its distinctive taste.
When cooked in a slow cooker, the chicken absorbs these flavors deeply, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with aroma and taste. The subsequent frying step adds a delightful texture, mimicking the crisp edges of traditionally prepared shawarma. This process ensures that the dish retains its authentic character despite the modernized cooking method.
Ideal for Meal Prepping
Another benefit of this recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy planning their meals in advance. Reheating is simple, and the dish retains its flavor and texture even after being stored.
This makes it particularly appealing for busy professionals, parents, or anyone looking to save time during the week without sacrificing quality or flavor. Pair the leftovers with different sides or toppings to keep your meals exciting and varied.
Serving Suggestions
Although chicken shawarma is delicious on its own, it shines brightest when paired with complementary sides and condiments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your culinary experience:
- Turmeric Rice: The bright yellow hue of turmeric rice not only adds visual appeal but also complements the spices in the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Salad: A Jerusalem salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley provides a refreshing contrast to the rich spices of the shawarma.
- Lemon Tahini Sauce: This creamy, tangy sauce ties all the components together and adds a zesty finish to the dish.
- Pita Bread or Wraps: Transform the shawarma into a handheld meal by stuffing it into pita bread or a wrap with lettuce, pickles, and sauce.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled vegetables adds a delightful textural contrast and complements the flavors of the chicken.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker chicken shawarma is a delightful fusion of tradition and modern convenience. By simplifying the cooking process without compromising on flavor, this recipe allows you to enjoy the authentic taste of the Middle East from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile and nutritious dish is sure to impress.
Its rich flavors, tender texture, and endless serving options make it a recipe you’ll return to time and again. With a slow cooker and a handful of spices, you can create a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also brimming with the warm, aromatic flavors that make Middle Eastern cuisine so beloved worldwide.
