why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s an easy and convenient recipe that allows you to set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy option for your family. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it in pita bread or on lettuce wraps and top it with your favorite veggies and sauces.
how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
To get started, gather your ingredients. You will need 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of shawarma spice blend, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 sliced onion, the juice of 1 lemon, pita bread or lettuce wraps for serving, and optional toppings like tomatoes, cucumber, and tahini sauce.
Here’s how to make it:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, shawarma spice blend, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over it, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Add the sliced onion on top of the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it well with the juices.
- Serve in pita bread or on lettuce wraps with your desired toppings.
how to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
You can serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma in various ways. The most popular method is to fill pita bread with the shredded chicken and top it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, opt for lettuce wraps instead of pita bread. This dish is also great with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
how to store Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on a stovetop before serving again. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the spice mixture before cooking.
- You can adjust the spice by adding more or less shawarma spice blend according to your taste.
- Adding sliced bell peppers or carrots in the slow cooker can give additional flavor and nutrition to the dish.
variation
If you want to switch things up, try using different meats like lamb or beef. You can also create a vegetarian version by using chickpeas or cauliflower seasoned with the same shawarma spices.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked.
2. What can I use if I can’t find shawarma spice blend?
You can make your own shawarma spice mix using spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon.
3. Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook this recipe in an Instant Pot on high-pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then shred and serve as usual.
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, shawarma spice blend, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Add the sliced onion on top of the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it well with the juices.
- Serve in pita bread or on lettuce wraps with desired toppings.