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Delicious slow cooker chicken shawarma served with fresh vegetables.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

A tasty and easy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with tender chicken thighs spiced to perfection, all cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice level
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 pack pita bread or flatbread
  • to taste salt and black pepper
For Garnishing
  • sliced cucumbers
  • tomatoes
  • red onions
  • lettuce
  • tzatziki or tahini sauce for drizzling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well to form a marinade.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, making sure the chicken is well coated.
  3. Add the sliced onion on top of the chicken.
Cooking
  1. 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 fully cooked.
  2. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir it into the juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving
  1. Warm the pita bread or flatbread and assemble the shawarma by placing some shredded chicken onto each piece of bread.
  2. Garnish with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.
  3. Drizzle with tzatziki or tahini sauce before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste, especially the herbs and vegetables. Feel free to add other toppings like pickles or grilled vegetables.