Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 onion, sliced; ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons cucumber, grated; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Pitas; Lettuce; Red onion; Cucumbers; Tomatoes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the rich, aromatic flavors of authentic Middle Eastern street food but wished it could be effortlessly made at home, this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is your new best friend. With tender, spice-marinated chicken thighs that slow-cook to perfection, this recipe brings those familiar warm, smoky notes right into your kitchen without any fuss. Piled high with fresh veggies and a cooling yogurt sauce, every bite sings with vibrant flavors, creating a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish promises comfort and sophistication all wrapped in a warm pita.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy beige sauce that has a slightly grainy texture and swirls on top, with some light orange powder traces around the rim. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients, each playing an important role, come together in this recipe to build layers of flavor and texture that transform humble chicken into an extraordinary shawarma experience.

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, perfect for absorbing all the marinade flavors and staying tender during slow cooking.
Onion: Sliced thinly, it creates a flavorful bed for the chicken to cook on, adding sweetness and moisture.
Plain Greek yogurt: Acts as the creamy base in both the marinade and sauce, tenderizing the meat and bringing refreshing tang.
Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the warm spices and enhance freshness.
Garlic: Provides essential pungency and depth, both in the chicken marinade and yogurt sauce.
Paprika: Sweet or smoked, it infuses the chicken with a mild smoky warmth and vibrant color.
Ground cumin: Adds earthy, nutty notes essential to authentic shawarma flavors.
Black pepper and salt: Fundamental seasonings that amplify every ingredient’s taste.
Ground turmeric: Offers a subtle earthiness and beautiful golden hue.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: Inject just enough heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
Cucumber: Grated into the yogurt sauce, it lends crisp, cooling contrast to the spices.
Pitas and fresh veggies: Lettuce, red onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes provide fresh, crunchy elements that complete every bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by combining plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This aromatic marinade is the foundation of your Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe. It infuses the chicken with layers of fragrant spices and a zesty tang, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs and marinade in a large resealable bag, making sure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This slow marinade deeply penetrates the meat, guaranteeing juicy, tender chicken packed with shawarma goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Bed

Slice the onion thinly and lay it in the bottom of your slow cooker. The onions will slowly cook down, releasing sweet, caramelized juices that keep your chicken moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Low and Slow

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb the spices even more deeply, creating that signature shawarma texture.

Step 5: Shred and Return to Cooker

Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove it and shred with forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to soak up any remaining juices—it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful until serving.

Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, cumin, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a refreshing sauce. This tangy yogurt sauce balances the spices and adds a cool, creamy element that perfectly complements the warm chicken.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy!

Spoon the chicken onto warm pitas and top with the yogurt sauce, crisp lettuce, sliced red onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of textures, from juicy chicken to crisp vegetables and creamy sauce that will have you coming back for more.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe

The image shows a slow cooker filled with cooked chicken pieces that are lightly browned and shredded. The chicken is mixed with thin slices of cooked onions that have a soft, translucent texture. Scattered throughout are small green herb leaves, and there are a few lemon wedges placed on top for a pop of yellow color. The food is inside a shiny metal slow cooker with curved dark edges. The whole setting is against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are key to elevating this dish. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A drizzle of extra lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors and add an exciting zing.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes that complement but don’t overshadow its deep flavors. Consider serving with warm pita bread chips, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or a side of fragrant basmati rice to create a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by building shawarma bowls instead of wraps. Layer the shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and yogurt sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. Adding pickled turnips or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts creates exciting textures and flavors. The possibilities for turning this dish into a versatile centerpiece are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner additions throughout the week.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the shredded chicken in portioned freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and keep the yogurt sauce fresh by storing it separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Always add fresh yogurt sauce after reheating for that perfect creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can work, thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking, making them the ideal choice for this shawarma recipe.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted up or down to suit your personal taste preferences.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the marinade a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge, which can actually deepen the flavors when combined with the chicken during marination.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt works as well, though Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier texture that’s ideal for the marinade and sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The chicken and sauce themselves are gluten-free; just be sure to serve with gluten-free pita or wraps if you want to keep the meal fully gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is a delightful way to bring delicious, authentic flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to something warm, fragrant, and satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who loves bold spices, tender chicken, and easy meals that impress family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!