Description
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this Slow Cooker Shawarma Chicken. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a blend of warm spices, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, making it an effortless yet flavorful dish perfect for wraps, rice bowls, salads, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 small onion, sliced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Spice Mixture
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker to form a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken Thighs: Layer the boneless, skinless chicken thighs on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper to create the shawarma spice blend.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the prepared spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring all pieces are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker to help keep the chicken moist and tender throughout cooking.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred or Slice Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice it according to your preference.
- Combine with Juices: Return the shredded or sliced chicken back into the slow cooker with the cooking juices and toss well to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve your shawarma chicken with pita bread, rice, salad, or a garlic yogurt sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken with the spice mixture for 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Serve alongside cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, hummus, or tahini sauce for a traditional Middle Eastern experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
