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Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma for Effortless Family Dinners

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma provides an effortless meal brimming with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for busy family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Marination Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Marinade
  • 2 pounds Chicken Thighs A more flavorful choice than breast meat
  • 1 medium Onion Provides natural sweetness
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Use non-fat or low-fat yogurt if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh is best
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika Choose sweet or smoked based on preference
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Essential for Mediterranean flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Offers mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Brings color and earthiness
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and complexity
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic Crushed
  • 1 cup Grated Cucumber Adds refreshing crunch
  • 1 teaspoon Additional Cumin To enhance flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice To enhance flavor
  • to taste Salt To enhance flavor
  • to taste Pepper To enhance flavor

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  2. Slice one onion into thin rings and arrange them evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the ziplock bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place them atop the onions in the slow cooker. Cover and set to high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
  4. Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces, mixing well with remaining juices in the slow cooker.
  5. To prepare the yogurt sauce, combine plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, additional cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well blended.
  6. Warm pita bread, layer shredded chicken, drizzle yogurt sauce, and garnish with fresh toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor, and adjust the yogurt sauce to taste.

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