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Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Discover the vibrant flavors of Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, a simple and savory dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 379

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs Substitute with chicken breasts if desired.
  • 1 medium Onion Use yellow or white onion.
For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt Feel free to substitute with regular or plant-based yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed works best.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced for optimal flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Paprika Smoked paprika adds extra dimension.
  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin Try toasted for enhanced depth.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper Freshly cracked for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp Salt Use kosher for best enhancement.
  • 1 tsp Ground turmeric Adds earthy flavor and color.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon Use sparingly for balance.
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Adds creaminess and freshness.
  • Additional ingredients (as required) Feel free to include herbs or spices for added flavor!

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices until well combined. Add the bone-in, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion into thin rounds and layer them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread the onion evenly, creating a bed that will hold the chicken above the juices.
  3. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and place it on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
  4. After the cooking time, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  5. In a small bowl, combine one cup of Greek yogurt with any additional yogurt sauce ingredients you prefer. Mix until well blended and smooth.
  6. To serve, warm up the pita bread, layer the shredded chicken onto the pita, drizzle generously with the yogurt sauce, and top with fresh vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 379kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to absorb the spices. Always place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker for best results.

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