Let me tell you, the *Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma* is an absolute game changer! I mean, who doesn’t love the mouthwatering, spiced goodness of shawarma without all the fuss? This recipe takes a traditionally complex dish and makes it so simple, I can whip it up even on my busiest days! I remember the first time I made it for a small gathering with friends; the aroma filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. We paired it with warm pita and fresh veggies, and trust me, the smiles were endless. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this is!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs: The star of the show! These thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for absorbing all those amazing spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that brings depth to your shawarma.
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the other spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of sweetness and a lovely color.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: This gives the dish a gorgeous golden hue and a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who can resist garlic? It adds that delicious savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to balance the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For those who like a bit of heat! Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor during cooking.
- Juice of 1 lemon: A bright acidity that ties everything together and lifts the flavors.
How to Prepare the Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise you, it’s super easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious chicken shawarma waiting for you by dinner time.
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
First things first, grab a medium bowl and combine all those gorgeous spices! You’ll want to mix together the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well blended. Seriously, the aroma is going to get you so excited!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Now, it’s time to give those chicken thighs some love! Take the spice mixture and rub it all over the chicken thighs. Don’t be shy—make sure every inch is coated! This is where all the flavor will come from, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Next, let’s get everything into the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in there, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Then, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, followed by the chicken broth and the lemon juice. This combination not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavor beautifully. You want the chicken to be happy, right?
Step 4: Cooking Time
Alright, now cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours. This is the perfect time for the spices to seep into the chicken, making it tender and flavorful. Just imagine all those amazing scents wafting through your kitchen as it cooks! If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but low and slow is where the flavor’s at!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. I like to use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot—it’s super easy and messy in the best way! Once it’s shredded, you can serve it up in warm pita bread with fresh veggies, or even over rice. Feel free to get creative with toppings like tahini or yogurt! Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma* turns out absolutely amazing, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, always use fresh spices for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you can, give them a quick sniff before using; if they smell muted, it’s time for a refill. Also, every slow cooker is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cooking times. If you find that your chicken is cooking faster or slower than expected, adjust accordingly. And don’t forget, letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking can really help the flavors settle in. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this *Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma* packs a flavorful punch with approximately 320 calories, 16g of fat, 36g of protein, and 5g of carbohydrates. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this delicious dish guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the *Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma*? No problem, I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones that pop up:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work, but they may be a bit drier. If you go this route, consider reducing the cooking time slightly.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Let any leftovers cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later—just thaw and reheat gently!
- Can I make this shawarma spicy? You sure can! Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- What should I serve with it? I love serving this shawarma with warm pita bread, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Enjoy your cooking journey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a little prep, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the magic.
- Flavorful: The blend of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions—enjoy delicious shawarma without the gluten!
- Versatile: Serve it in pita, over rice, or as a salad—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma* is super simple! Once it’s cooled, just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can warm it up gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You’ll want to savor that delicious flavor all over again!
Print
Hands-Off Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma: 5 Flavorful Steps
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for flavorful chicken shawarma made in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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