Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma brings the rich and aromatic flavors of the Middle East straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy, slow-cooked chicken is infused with warm spices and finished in a skillet for the perfect crispy edges. Whether served in a pita, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish delivers bold flavors and a satisfying meal every time. What makes this recipe a winner is its versatility. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick and healthy dinner, this shawarma can be customized to suit your preferences. Add a drizzle of tahini sauce, a dollop of hummus, or serve it with pickled vegetables for an authentic experience. However you enjoy it, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your home!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a mix of breasts and thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add the water. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until fully cooked.
2. Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and slice thinly against the grain.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle evenly with the spice mix.
6. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop crispy edges.
7. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the chicken and stir gently. Continue frying until the chicken is well-coated and crisped to your liking.
8. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Calories: 317 kcal | Servings: 6

What Makes This Shawarma Recipe Unique?

There are many ways to prepare chicken shawarma, but this slow cooker version stands out for several reasons:

1. Minimal Hands-On Time – The slow cooker does most of the work, requiring just a few minutes of prep and a quick pan-fry at the end.
2. No Need for Special Equipment – Unlike traditional shawarma, which requires a vertical rotisserie, this recipe can be made using just a slow cooker and a skillet.
3. Bold, Authentic Flavors – A blend of warm spices, garlic, and citrus gives the chicken a deep, smoky, and slightly tangy taste.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week in different dishes like salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
5. Dietary Friendly – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and Whole30 compliant, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

The Role of Spices in Shawarma

One of the key elements that makes shawarma so special is its complex spice blend. Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich and fragrant spices, which contribute to the dish’s unmistakable aroma and taste. Here’s a look at some of the essential spices used in this recipe and why they matter:

• Cumin – Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin is a signature ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes. It provides a warm, comforting base for the spice mix.
• Coriander – With its citrusy undertones, coriander helps balance out the deeper, bolder flavors in the spice blend.
• Paprika – Smoked paprika enhances the dish with a subtle sweetness and mild heat, adding depth to the overall flavor.
• Turmeric – Known for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric lends a warm, slightly bitter taste while offering anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinnamon – A surprising yet crucial ingredient, cinnamon adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper – This optional ingredient brings a touch of heat, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your preference.

When combined, these spices create an aromatic, well-balanced seasoning that coats the chicken and infuses it with incredible flavor.

Slow Cooking vs. Traditional Shawarma Cooking

Traditional shawarma is prepared on a vertical rotisserie, where layers of marinated meat are stacked and slowly cooked as the spit rotates. The outer layers are shaved off as they crisp up, resulting in tender, flavorful slices.

Since most home kitchens don’t have access to a shawarma spit, this slow cooker method offers a fantastic alternative. Cooking the chicken low and slow helps it absorb the spices while remaining juicy. However, slow cooking alone doesn’t create the crispy, caramelized edges that make shawarma so irresistible. That’s why this recipe includes a final step: pan-frying the cooked chicken in olive oil. This step replicates the crisp, slightly charred exterior found in authentic shawarma.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your slow cooker chicken shawarma:

1. Shawarma Wraps – Stuff the spiced chicken into warm pita bread or a flatbread, and add toppings like tzatziki, pickled onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
2. Rice Bowls – Serve the shawarma over fluffy turmeric rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of hummus or tahini sauce.
3. Salad Toppers – Add the shawarma to a fresh Mediterranean salad with greens, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
4. Shawarma Platter – Pair it with classic Middle Eastern sides like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and warm pita bread for a full meal.
5. Stuffed Pita Pockets – Use soft pita bread to create stuffed pockets with chicken, shredded lettuce, tahini sauce, and pickles.
6. Shawarma Tacos – Give it a fusion twist by using soft tortillas and adding Middle Eastern-inspired toppings.

No matter how you serve it, a drizzle of lemon juice right before eating will enhance the flavors and bring everything together.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Aside from being incredibly delicious, Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma also offers several nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Rich in Antioxidants – The spices used in this dish, particularly turmeric and cinnamon, contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Low in Carbs – This recipe is naturally low-carb, making it an excellent option for those following keto or paleo diets.
• Gluten-Free & Whole30 Compliant – Unlike many takeout options, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and keep it clean.

By preparing shawarma at home, you can enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

• Use the Right Chicken Cuts – A combination of chicken breasts and thighs works best for maintaining juiciness and flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Spice Mix – The seasoning is what gives shawarma its signature taste, so make sure to use the full spice blend.
• Let It Crisp Up – When pan-frying the cooked chicken, let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This helps achieve the crispy edges that mimic traditional shawarma.
• Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy garlic sauce.
• Make Extra for Meal Prep – This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is the perfect solution for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine but wants a hassle-free way to make it at home. This recipe retains the authentic taste and texture of traditional shawarma while making it accessible to home cooks using simple ingredients and kitchen tools.

Whether you’re serving it as a wrap, over rice, or in a salad, this dish is incredibly versatile, nutritious, and satisfying. Plus, with its meal-prep-friendly nature, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shawarma any time you like without the need for takeout.