Let me tell you, making Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a game changer in my busy kitchen! I absolutely love how effortlessly flavorful it is—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while I go about my day. This dish has become a staple for me, especially when life gets hectic. The blend of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the house, and it’s so satisfying knowing that dinner is practically done with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be tempted to make it every week!

Ingredients List

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs – I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but you can use breasts if you like!
1 tablespoon olive oil – This adds a touch of richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken.
2 teaspoons ground cumin – This spice gives that warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in shawarma.
2 teaspoons ground coriander – It brings a nice citrusy note that balances everything beautifully.
1 teaspoon paprika – For a little sweet smokiness, this is a must-have!
1 teaspoon turmeric – Not only does it add color, but it also brings a subtle earthiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – A shortcut to that lovely garlicky punch without peeling and chopping!
1 teaspoon onion powder – It deepens the flavor profile without any fuss.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all those amazing flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to give a little kick.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – For those who like a bit of heat, this is your friend!
1/4 cup chicken broth – This keeps everything moist and adds depth to the flavor.
Juice of 1 lemon – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.

How to Prepare Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

Preparing this Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is as easy as pie! Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this delicious dish. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a flavorful meal with little effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a bowl and combine all those wonderful spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix them well to ensure even distribution.
Now, take those boneless chicken thighs and rub the spice mixture all over them. Don’t be shy—get in there and make sure every inch is coated with those aromatic flavors!
Next, place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. It’s like giving them a cozy little home while they cook!
Pour in the olive oil, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice over the chicken. This will keep everything nice and moist, plus add a bright flavor.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. I like to let it go for the full 8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness, but you can adjust based on your schedule.
When the time’s up, take two forks and shred that beautifully cooked chicken right in the pot. It’ll be so tender you won’t even need a knife!

And there you have it! Enjoy your shawarma in pita wraps, on salads, or however your heart desires! Trust me, every bite will be worth the wait.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dig in! The nutritional information for this Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some typical values to give you an idea, they aren’t exact. On average, you can expect about 320 calories, 16g of fat, 36g of protein, and 5g of carbohydrates per serving. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate information. Enjoy your delicious meal knowing you’ve got a nutritious dish, but remember, these numbers are just estimates!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—just a few minutes of hands-on time!
Flavor-packed with a wonderful blend of spices that make your taste buds sing.
Healthy option that’s gluten-free and high in protein.
Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Versatile: serve it in wraps, on salads, or even on its own with veggies.
Hands-off cooking means you can go about your day while the slow cooker does the work.

Tips for Success

To make your Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma truly shine, start with high-quality chicken thighs; they’ll be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Don’t skip the spice rub—it’s where all the flavor comes from, so take the time to coat the chicken well! If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the spice mixture for a more intense taste. Also, remember that cooking times can vary, so check for tenderness; if it’s falling apart easily, you know it’s perfect! Lastly, always taste before serving; a pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon can make a world of difference!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma, the possibilities are endless! I love wrapping the tender, flavorful chicken in warm pita bread, adding fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce elevates the dish even further! You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, topped with a simple salad for a refreshing side. Whatever you choose, this shawarma is sure to be the star of your meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is super simple! After it’s cooled down, place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy weeknights! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat it; we want to keep that lovely texture!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You certainly can! While I love the juiciness of thighs, chicken breasts will work well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster.

What can I serve with this shawarma?
This Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is incredibly versatile! I love serving it with pita bread, fresh veggies, or over a bed of rice or quinoa with a sprinkle of herbs.

Can I make this shawarma ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use!

Is this recipe spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat, but feel free to adjust it based on your spice preference! You can even leave it out if you like things milder.

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.

Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: 5 Simple Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple recipe for flavorful chicken shawarma made in a slow cooker.

Instructions

Combine spices in a bowl.
Rub spice mixture on chicken thighs.
Place chicken in the slow cooker.
Add olive oil, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Shred chicken with two forks before serving.

Notes

Serve with pita bread and vegetables.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This can be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, shawarma, hands-off

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