This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma delivers bold Middle Eastern flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker works its magic to tenderize the chicken, while a final quick pan-fry creates those irresistible crispy edges. The blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon infuses the dish with rich, aromatic depth, making every bite a taste sensation. Enjoy it wrapped in a fluffy pita, over fragrant turmeric rice, or alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bits, and bold seasonings makes this dish a family favorite. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly, making it a fantastic healthy meal option.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or mix with chicken thighs)
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add 1/2 cup of water. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly. Discard excess liquid.
- In a small bowl, mix together cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and sprinkle with the spice mixture.
- Allow the chicken to fry without moving it for about 2 minutes until crisp.
- Drizzle with 1 tbsp more olive oil, flip the chicken, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently to coat with spices.
- Once golden and crisp, remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve hot with rice, pita bread, salad, or your favorite side dishes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 317 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful & Effortless Middle Eastern Delight
The Origin of Shawarma
Shawarma is one of the most beloved Middle Eastern dishes, enjoyed across countries like Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. Traditionally, shawarma consists of marinated meat—often chicken, lamb, or beef—layered on a vertical rotisserie and slow-cooked over time. As the outer layers crisp up, they are shaved off and served in a pita or on a platter with rice, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauces like garlic aioli or tahini.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the essence of authentic shawarma into your home without requiring a spit or open flame. By using a slow cooker, we replicate the long, gentle cooking process that tenderizes the meat and allows it to absorb all the delicious spices. A final quick pan-fry ensures that you still get those golden, crispy edges that make shawarma so irresistible.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Easy & Hands-Off Cooking:
With just 10 minutes of prep time, the slow cooker does most of the work. Set it and forget it while you go about your day! - Bold, Authentic Flavor:
This recipe uses a homemade spice blend that perfectly balances warm, earthy, and slightly smoky notes—just like traditional shawarma. - Healthy & Customizable:
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Whole30 & Paleo-Friendly: No processed ingredients or added sugar—just whole, nutritious foods.
- High in Protein: With 34 grams of protein per serving, this meal keeps you feeling full and energized.
- Low in Carbs: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a salad to keep it keto-friendly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep:
Make a batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for quick meals throughout the week. - Versatile Serving Options:
Enjoy it in a pita wrap, over rice, with roasted veggies, or in a shawarma bowl with fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and hummus.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Shawarma Special?
Unlike many slow cooker chicken recipes that can become overly soft or mushy, this method ensures the chicken is tender but still has texture. The key is the double cooking process:
- Slow Cooking: This gently tenderizes the meat and allows it to absorb the flavors of the spice blend.
- Pan-Frying: This final step crisps up the edges, mimicking the rotisserie effect of traditional shawarma.
This small extra step makes a huge difference in flavor and texture—trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Shawarma Wrap: Stuff the chicken into a warm pita or flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of garlic sauce or tzatziki.
- Shawarma Rice Bowl: Serve over fluffy turmeric rice with cucumbers, pickled onions, and hummus.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve with a simple Mediterranean salad.
- Protein-Packed Salad: Add the spiced chicken over a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and a lemony dressing.
- Middle Eastern Mezze Platter: Pair with baba ganoush, hummus, and warm pita bread for a full-flavored feast.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
- Use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs for the best balance of lean protein and tenderness.
- Don’t skip the pan-frying step! This is what gives the chicken its delicious crispy edges and deepens the flavors.
- Make a double batch! This meal is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Pair it with homemade sauces like lemon tahini, garlic yogurt sauce, or hummus to enhance the flavor even more.
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma isn’t just flavorful—it’s also incredibly nutritious!
- High Protein: Supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and chicken thighs provide essential healthy fats.
- Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Ingredients like turmeric, garlic, and cumin are packed with antioxidants and health benefits.
- Low-Carb & Whole30-Friendly: Great for those following a paleo, keto, or Whole30 diet.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is one of the easiest, most flavorful, and healthiest ways to enjoy a Middle Eastern classic at home. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and experience the rich, spiced flavors of shawarma—without the need for a rotisserie or hours of labor. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you! 🚀🍗