Craving the bold, aromatic flavors of your favorite takeout shawarma? With this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe, you can enjoy tender, spiced chicken bursting with Middle Eastern flavor—all made effortlessly in your crockpot.
Marinated in a blend of garlic, lemon, and warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this slow-cooked chicken becomes juicy, fragrant, and perfect for wraps, rice bowls, or shawarma platters. It’s meal-prep friendly, freezer-safe, and always a crowd favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Shawarma Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices. Mix well to create a thick marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken and sliced onion in a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
- Transfer the marinated chicken and onions to your slow cooker. Spread everything out evenly in a single layer if possible.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and infused with spices.
Step 5: Shred or Slice
- Remove chicken, shred or slice it, then return it to the juices in the slow cooker. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb more flavor before serving.
Variation:
- Oven-Baked Shawarma: Bake marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes
- Grilled Shawarma: Skewer marinated chicken and grill for smoky flavor
- Spicy Version: Add more cayenne or chili flakes
- Yogurt Marinade: Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt to marinade for tang and tenderness
- Vegetarian Option: Use the same spice mix with chickpeas or tofu
COOKING Note:
Chicken thighs are preferred for shawarma due to their juiciness and flavor. Breasts work too, but be cautious not to overcook.
Serving Suggestions:
- Wraps: Serve in warm pita or flatbread with garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickled turnips
- Shawarma Bowls: Layer over rice or couscous with veggies, hummus, and tzatziki
- Salads: Add sliced chicken to a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Platter Style: Serve with warm pita, tabbouleh, olives, and dips for a Mediterranean feast
- Meal Prep: Pack into containers with rice and roasted veggies for the week
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor
- Broil the shredded chicken for 3–5 minutes after cooking to get crispy shawarma-style edges
- Serve with homemade or store-bought garlic sauce or tahini dressing
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving for brightness
- Leftovers make great sandwiches or shawarma quesadillas!
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 2–8 hours
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW (or 3–4 on HIGH)
- Total Time: ~6 hours 20 minutes (plus marinating)
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 6 servings):
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: ~27g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~520mg
- Sugar: ~1g
Varies depending on serving method and toppings.
❓FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, but chicken breasts may be drier. Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
- Not required for this slow cooker method, but broiling after cooking gives a nice texture.
Can I freeze the cooked shawarma?
- Yes! Cool completely and freeze in portions with juices for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
What sauces go well with this?
- Garlic sauce (toum), tahini dressing, tzatziki, or even Greek yogurt with lemon and herbs.
Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
- Yes—this recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free if served with GF bread or rice.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, hands-off way to bring Middle Eastern cuisine into your kitchen. With tender spiced chicken that melts in your mouth, it’s perfect for everything from easy wraps to impressive dinner platters.
Versatile, meal-prep friendly, and made with pantry staples, this shawarma recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a crowd, it’s bold, satisfying, and unbelievably simple.