Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine at home. Tender, spiced chicken thighs cook gently all day, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas and delivering melt-in-your-mouth results.

Ingredients
- 6 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch dried chilli flakes
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp natural yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 flatbreads
- 2 little gem lettuces, shredded
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 150g baby plum tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the slow cooker to high setting.
- Step 2: Lightly oil the inside of the slow cooker pan and place the chicken thighs inside.
- Step 3: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the chicken.
- Step 4: Pour the juice of one lemon over the chicken.
- Step 5: Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, dried chilli flakes, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Step 6: Cook on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Step 7: While the chicken cooks, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing natural yogurt, mayonnaise, and juice of 1/2 lemon together in a bowl.
- Step 8: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks. Serve the shredded chicken with flatbreads, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, red pepper, baby plum tomatoes, and the yogurt sauce. Add a drizzle of hot sauce if you like.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the spices and lemon juice a few hours before cooking.
- Use pita bread instead of flatbreads for an authentic wrap experience.
- Add pickled vegetables or fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the dried chilli flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store any leftover shredded chicken and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Flatbreads are best stored at room temperature and used within a day for freshness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking. If using breasts, check for doneness earlier as they cook faster.
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is ideal for this recipe to develop deep flavors and tender meat with minimal effort. However, you can also cook the chicken in a covered baking dish at a low oven temperature, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma recipe featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs cooked to perfection with aromatic spices and served with fresh vegetables and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a casual meal with flatbreads and a crisp salad.
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma
- 6 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch dried chili flakes
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch black pepper
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 tbsp natural yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
To Serve
- 4 flatbreads
- 2 little gem lettuces, shredded
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 150g baby plum tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Heat the slow cooker to the high setting. Lightly oil the inside of the slow cooker pan to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the oiled slow cooker pan, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Add olive oil and lemon juice: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the chicken, then pour the juice of one lemon on top for acidity and flavor.
- Season with spices: Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, dried chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on the high setting for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Make the yogurt sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together the natural yogurt, mayonnaise, and juice of 1/2 lemon in a small bowl to create a creamy, tangy dip.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and shred the meat using two forks or your hands.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken with flatbreads, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, red pepper, and baby plum tomatoes. Add the yogurt sauce on the side and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can add other fresh toppings like chopped onions, parsley, or pickles for extra flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftover chicken shawarma is excellent in wraps or salads the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, Slow Cooker Chicken, Chicken Shawarma Recipe, Middle Eastern Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner

