Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful, hands-off dinner made with juicy shredded chicken, warm Middle Eastern spices, and fresh toppings wrapped in soft tortillas or pita bread. It’s an easy crockpot meal that’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is an easy, flavorful crockpot recipe that delivers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with minimal effort. Whether wrapped in warm flatbread or served over rice, it's a satisfying meal that's ideal for busy weeknights and leftovers alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 415

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• For Serving
• 6 large flour tortillas or pita breads
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Sliced pickles
• Garlic sauce or tzatziki

Method

 

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over the chicken. Turn the chicken to coat evenly.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking juices. Let it sit for 10 minutes so it absorbs the flavorful sauce.
7. Warm the tortillas or pita bread.
8. Fill each wrap with the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of garlic sauce or tzatziki.
9. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
• Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
• Don’t skip returning the shredded chicken to the juices.
• Warm the wraps before filling to prevent tearing.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Add sliced bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
• Serve over rice instead of in wraps.
• Make it spicy by adding extra cayenne or hot sauce.
• Top with crumbled feta for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic yogurt sauce.
• Pair with hummus and pita chips.
• Add a cucumber tomato salad.
• Serve alongside seasoned rice.
• Enjoy with roasted potatoes or fries.

Tips

• Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for the easiest texture.
• Make extra for meal prep throughout the week.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
• Add extra lemon juice just before serving for a brighter flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 415
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 23g
• Sodium: 680mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but they may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Be careful not to overcook them.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cooked chicken reheats well and is great for meal prep. Store it with some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.

What sauce goes best with chicken shawarma?

Garlic sauce (toum), tzatziki, or a simple yogurt sauce with lemon and garlic are all delicious options.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I serve this without wraps?

Definitely. Serve the chicken over rice, couscous, salad, or roasted vegetables for a lower-carb meal.

How do I get crispy edges on the chicken?

After shredding, spread the chicken on a baking sheet and broil it for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This creates delicious crispy edges while keeping the inside tender.