Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 large onion, sliced (optional); 2 tablespoons shawarma seasoning (prepared separately); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 1/4 cup water or chicken broth; 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano; 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander; 1/2 tablespoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 68 reviews

The Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves those rich, aromatic Middle Eastern flavors without the fuss of traditional grilling or frying. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a vibrant blend of spices that fill your kitchen with incredible warmth and scent. This easy, hands-off recipe lets the spices gently infuse the chicken all day long, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly shreddable for wraps, salads, or even just straight off the fork. It’s comfort food elevated, with a depth of flavor that feels both exotic and instantly familiar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four main elements arranged on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. At the top center, there is a white bowl holding three raw, pale pink chicken breasts with a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Below it, there is a larger white bowl filled with ten different colored spices, each forming small piles close to one another; colors range from bright red, yellow, brown, dark brown, and black specks, along with white salt. On both sides of the spice bowl, there are two small white bowls, the left one filled with golden-yellow olive oil and the right one filled with a light yellow liquid, likely lemon juice. The scene is bright and clear with natural lighting that highlights the textures and colors of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward and essential to creating an authentic and mouthwatering shawarma experience. Each component plays a crucial role, from the bright citrus notes of lemon to the blend of earthy spices that give this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe its signature taste and gorgeous color.

2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts if you prefer lean meat, both soak up the spices beautifully.
1 large onion, sliced (optional): Adds natural sweetness and moisture during cooking.
2 tablespoons shawarma seasoning: The magical blend of spices that defines the dish, homemade for freshness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices coat the chicken evenly and keeps it tender.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a bright zing that balances the spices perfectly.
4 cloves garlic, grated or minced: Infuses the meat with a deep, savory undertone.
1/4 cup water (or chicken broth): Keeps the chicken moist and creates those delicious cooking juices.
For the shawarma seasoning (mix together): 1/2 tablespoon oregano, 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin, 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander, 1/2 tablespoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon each of ground cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper — this spice blend is what makes your shawarma sing with authentic flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shawarma Seasoning

Start by mixing all the spices required for your shawarma seasoning in a small bowl. This homemade blend ensures your chicken will have the perfect balance of warm, earthy, and slightly spicy notes that are essential to authentic shawarma.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken and sliced onion (if using) in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, combine the shawarma seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, and water or broth. Pour this fragrant mixture evenly over the chicken and onions to coat everything thoroughly.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, which allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become so tender it practically falls apart. If you’re short on time, 2-3 hours on high will do, but the low-and-slow method creates the best texture and flavor.

Step 4: Shred and Mix Back into the Juices

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it gently in the rich juices and onions, soaking up all that intense shawarma flavor before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

A white plate holds a pita flatbread on a white marbled surface. The pita is topped with a layer of shredded seasoned chicken in a light brown color, on the bottom right. Above the chicken, there is chopped lettuce in green, then diced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes in red, spread in the upper half. Thin slices of pickled red onions add pink streaks on top. Black olive slices and crumbled white cheese are scattered over the vegetables. The dish is drizzled with white sauce and red sauce, garnished with chopped green herbs. Around the plate, there are white bowls filled with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, and pickled red onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your chicken shawarma with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an herbaceous lift. A dollop of creamy tahini sauce or a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce adds cooling contrasts to the spice, while pickled vegetables add a crunchy, tangy pop that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy pita bread or warm flatbreads for wrapping. You can also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, creamy hummus, or fragrant saffron rice to round out the meal with different textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your shredded shawarma chicken into tacos with a sprinkle of sumac or assemble a shawarma bowl with rice, greens, and your favorite sauces. It’s also incredible piled over roasted vegetables or tucked inside a pita with crunchy slaw for a perfect portable lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken shawarma keeps very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious as leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze shredded chicken shawarma in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just cool completely before packaging and label clearly for an easy future meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm through without drying out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating helps maintain moisture and juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice for this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe because they stay juicy and tender during the long cooking time, enhancing the overall richness.

Is the shawarma seasoning spicy?

The shawarma seasoning has a mild to moderate heat level due to the cayenne pepper, but it’s well balanced with aromatic spices. You can adjust the cayenne up or down depending on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker really brings out the best texture and melded flavors, you can bake the chicken in a covered dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, but keep an eye to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

What can I serve with this chicken for a complete meal?

Serve your shawarma chicken with flatbreads, fresh salads, rice, or vegetable sides like grilled eggplant or roasted carrots to create a balanced and delicious meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free pita to keep the meal friendly for gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. The effortless prep and long, slow cooking time gift you incredibly tender chicken infused with a complex blend of spices that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a joyous way to bring delicious Middle Eastern flavors into your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want to make it again and again!

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need