Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken infused with traditional Middle Eastern spices and a hint of citrus. Perfectly marinated and slow-cooked to juicy perfection, this dish is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy homemade shawarma at its best. Serve it warm on pita bread or over rice with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or rice
- Fresh veggies (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients needed for the recipe to ensure smooth preparation.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat the boneless chicken breasts thoroughly in the prepared marinade. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the slow cooker.
- Set up Slow Cooker: Place the marinated chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pouring any remaining marinade over the top for extra flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Serve the warm, flavorful chicken on pita bread or over rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the spices to your preference, adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Marinating the chicken longer, even overnight, will deepen the flavor.
- Leftover shawarma is great for wraps, salads, or as a protein addition to various dishes.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- To keep it low-fat, use less olive oil or substitute with a cooking spray.
