Slow Cooker Shawarma Chicken

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Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to spice up your meals, this slow cooker shawarma chicken recipe is just the answer. Packed with aromatic spices and tender, juicy chicken, this dish is perfect for creating a flavorful and fuss-free dinner the whole family will enjoy. With minimal effort and loads of flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy days or when you simply want a comforting, satisfying meal.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

To create this delightful slow cooker shawarma chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Chicken thighs: boneless and skinless, to ensure tenderness and juiciness.
– Garlic: freshly minced to add depth and savory flavor.
– Lemon juice: for a tangy, bright kick to complement the spices.
– Olive oil: to help bring all the ingredients together.
– Ground cumin: for warmth and earthiness.
– Ground coriander: for a hint of citrusy spice.
– Smoked paprika: to provide a smoky depth of flavor.
– Ground cinnamon: to add a subtle, warming sweetness.
– Ground turmeric: for color and a touch of bitterness.
– Ground allspice: for slightly sweet and pungent notes.
– Salt and black pepper: to season to perfection.

Prep Time

This recipe requires very little preparation, making it ideal for busy days. In just 10 minutes, you can have all the ingredients prepped. Simply measure out your spices, mince the garlic, juice the lemon, and coat the chicken thighs in the flavorful marinade.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Once the initial prep is done, let your slow cooker work its magic. The recommended cook time for the chicken is approximately 6-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. This gradual cooking method ensures the chicken is tender and infused with all the wonderful shawarma spices.

Regarding total time, you’ll only need about 6 hours and 10 minutes when cooking on low, or just over 4 hours if using the high setting. The recipe yields a satisfying portion that serves about 4 people, making it perfect for small families or as leftovers for the next day.

With its aromatic spices, easy preparation, and slow-cooked perfection, this slow cooker shawarma chicken is sure to become a favorite go-to meal. Whether served with flatbreads, rice, or fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome and indulgent dish everyone will love.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the shawarma spices, olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to create a smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the boneless chicken thighs into the bowl or a large ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Set up your slow cooker. Lay some onions (sliced into rings) at the bottom of the cooker to form a layer for the chicken to rest on. This will also add flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Add the Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onion layer in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Ensure that the chicken is not overcrowded, so it cooks properly.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high heat and cook for 3-4 hours. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.

Step 6: Optional – Shred or Slice the Chicken

After the chicken is cooked, you can shred it using two forks or slice it into strips for serving, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Prepare Any Accompaniments

Meanwhile, as the chicken cooks, prepare any sides or accompaniments such as flatbreads, salad, yogurt sauce, or pickled vegetables for serving.

Step 8: Serve the Shawarma Chicken

Once the chicken is ready, serve it hot with your desired accompaniments. You can serve the chicken on flatbreads with salad and a drizzle of yogurt sauce, or with rice and vegetables as a main dish.

Notes

Note 1: Spice Adjustments

You can adjust the spice levels in the marinade to suit your taste. Add more heat with extra chili powder or paprika, or reduce if you prefer mild flavors.

Note 2: Substitutions

If you don’t have boneless chicken thighs, you can substitute with chicken breasts or chicken drumsticks. Be mindful of the cooking times as they might vary slightly.

Note 3: Storing Leftovers

Leftover shawarma chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Note 4: Freezing Option

You can freeze leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Note 5: Serving Suggestions

This shawarma chicken pairs well with flatbreads, pita, rice, salad, or even as a topping for loaded fries. Customize your meal to your liking.

Cook techniques

Using a slow cooker

Cooking the shawarma chicken in a slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy while infusing it with all the flavorful spices. It’s a hands-off method that yields excellent results.

Marinating the chicken

Allowing the chicken thighs to marinate in the spice blend overnight or for a few hours enhances the flavor dramatically. This step ensures the spices penetrate deeply.

Layering ingredients

Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker in an even layer to allow even cooking and ensure every piece absorbs the flavors.

Shredding the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, shredding it with two forks allows it to soak in any leftover juices in the slow cooker, enhancing the dish’s taste and texture.

Serving options

The cooked chicken can be served in various ways: wrapped in flatbreads, served over rice, or as part of a salad bowl.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, thighs are recommended as they remain juicier and more tender when slow-cooked.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight gives the best flavor, you can marinate the chicken for a few hours if you’re short on time.

Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook on high heat for around 2-3 hours instead of low heat for 6 hours, though low and slow offers deeper, more developed flavors.

What should I serve with shawarma chicken?

Shawarma chicken pairs beautifully with flatbreads, garlic or tahini sauce, fresh salads, pickled vegetables, or rice.

Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Certainly, you can increase the spice level by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mix according to your taste preference.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Shawarma Chicken is a delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. With its tender and spiced chicken, it brings a wonderful Middle Eastern-inspired dish to your table while saving you time in the kitchen. It pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a meal that caters to different tastes and preferences. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Serve with Fluffy Rice

Pair the shawarma chicken with some perfectly steamed, fluffy rice for a warm and comforting meal option.

Tuck into Flatbreads

Use the shawarma chicken as a filling for soft flatbreads or wraps along with some fresh salad and yogurt dressing for a handheld feast.

Create a Shawarma Bowl

Assemble a colorful shawarma bowl with chicken, hummus, couscous, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of parsley.

Add to a Salad

Top your favorite green salad with shredded shawarma chicken for a quick, flavorful lunch or side dish.

Pair with Roasted Potatoes

Combine the spiced chicken with crispy roasted potatoes and a side of coleslaw for a hearty meal.

Serve with Tzatziki Sauce

Drizzle some homemade or store-bought tzatziki over the chicken for a refreshing and creamy touch.

Make a Mezze Platter

Include the shawarma chicken as part of a mezze platter alongside dips, olives, pickles, and pita bread.