Sharing is caring!

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is bursting with flavor! Juicy, marinated chicken thighs slow cook with warm spices until tender and perfect for piling into pita bread with fresh toppings and creamy yogurt sauce. It’s an easy, make-ahead dinner the whole family will love!

 

There’s something magical about walking into the kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the smell of warm spices and slow-cooked chicken. This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is one of those easy dinners that feels like you spent hours cooking, when really, your slow cooker did all the work.

This recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Mediterranean takeout right to your own table. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs cook low and slow with onions and spices until they’re tender enough to shred with a fork. Then you pile it high on fluffy pita bread, drizzle it with creamy yogurt sauce, and add all your favorite toppings, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and thin slices of red onion.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends when you want something special without a ton of work. I love serving this on Friday nights when everyone’s craving takeout, it feels like a treat but costs so much less, and I know exactly what’s in it.

Even my kids love building their own pitas with toppings, and it’s a fun, hands-on dinner that brings everyone to the table. You can also turn it into rice bowls, meal prep lunches, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. The flavors are bright, warm, and satisfying, everything you want in an easy, family dinner.

What Is Chicken Shawarma?

Traditional chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish where marinated chicken is stacked and slowly roasted on a vertical rotisserie until it’s juicy and caramelized. It’s sliced thin and usually served with pita bread, veggies, and a garlicky yogurt or tahini sauce.

This slow cooker version captures all that incredible flavor but with a set-it-and-forget-it method that’s perfect for busy families. You get the same tender, spiced chicken without needing any special equipment, just your trusty crockpot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of flavor – Warm spices, garlic, lemon, and creamy yogurt make every bite pop.

• Easy to make – The slow cooker does all the work.

• Meal prep friendly – Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or rice bowls.

• Customizable – Pile it on pita, serve over rice, or make lettuce wraps.

• Healthy and satisfying – Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt sauce.

• Kid-friendly – Everyone can build their own, and you can control the spice level.

When to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

This dish is perfect for:

• Busy weeknights when you want dinner ready and waiting.

• Family gatherings — double the recipe and set out a pita bar with toppings.

• Weekend meal prep — it reheats beautifully for lunches all week.

• Summer dinners — skip the oven and let your slow cooker keep things cool.

• Casual get-togethers — serve with hummus, rice, and veggies for a Mediterranean-style feast.

Ingredients 

Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs- juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking.

• 1 onion, sliced — adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt — tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess to the marinade.

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice — bright and zesty flavor.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced — the key to that signature shawarma taste.

• 2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika — adds warm, earthy flavor.

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin — gives that classic Middle Eastern spice.

• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper — for a little kick.

• 1 teaspoon salt — brings everything together.

• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric — gives color and subtle warmth.

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon — a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional, for a little heat.

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt — cool and creamy base.

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic — adds a sharp, savory bite.

• 2 tablespoons grated cucumber — keeps it light and fresh.

• 1 teaspoon cumin — ties the flavors to the chicken.

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice — tangy brightness.

• ¼ teaspoon salt — enhances the flavors.

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper — just enough to season.

• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flake — optional for heat.

To Serve:

• Pitas, lettuce, red onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes, fresh toppings that make every bite colorful and crisp.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, pepper, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken thighs and mix until fully coated. Transfer to a zip-top bag or container, cover, and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Slow Cook:
   Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken on top. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

3. Slice and Return:
   Remove the chicken, slice or chop it, then return it to the slow cooker to soak up all those flavorful juices.

4. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, cucumber, cumin, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flake. Chill until ready to serve.

5. Assemble and Serve:
   Warm your pita bread, add a layer of sauce, top with the chicken, and load up with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top and enjoy!

Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: You can use boneless, skinless breasts instead of thighs, just check for doneness earlier, as they cook faster.

• Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy alternative for the marinade and sauce.

• Spice swap: Try garam masala or curry powder if you don’t have turmeric or cinnamon.

• Low-carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.

Variations

• Chicken Shawarma Bowls: Serve over rice or couscous with veggies and drizzle of yogurt sauce.

• Wraps or Burritos: Roll it up with rice, pickles, and extra sauce.

• Loaded Fries or Nachos: Top fries or pita chips with chicken, yogurt sauce, and chopped veggies.

• Family Platter: Serve with hummus, olives, feta, and tabbouleh for a Mediterranean night.

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate the chicken overnight for the richest flavor.

• Slice the chicken before returning it to the slow cooker so it soaks up all the juices.

• Use a slow cooker liner or spray for easier cleanup.

• Double the sauce, you’ll want extra for dipping or drizzling.

• Warm your pita before serving for that authentic shawarma feel.

---

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before, then cook it the next day. You can even make the yogurt sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the marinated chicken raw, then thaw and cook later, or freeze cooked chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Regular plain yogurt works fine, it just won’t be as thick.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Serving Ideas

• Serve in warm pita bread with yogurt sauce, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

• Spoon over rice or couscous for a bowl-style dinner.

• Add to a salad with feta and lemon dressing for a lighter meal.

• Use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, or even on pizza!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Keep the sauce separate so it stays fresh.

If meal prepping, store chicken and sauce in separate containers and assemble when ready to eat.

If you liked this recipe, you’re going to love these other easy slow cooker chicken dinners! They’re hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for nights when you want comfort food without the effort:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles – Tender chicken and thick egg noodles in a creamy sauce — the ultimate cozy bowl meal.

• Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken – Juicy chicken smothered in BBQ sauce, bacon, and melted cheese.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen – A warm, flavorful bowl of broth, noodles, and slow-cooked chicken.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – All the flavors of classic pot pie with a creamy filling and biscuits on top.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast – A chicken twist on traditional pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and savory gravy.

• Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, spicy pasta with tender chicken and Cajun seasoning for bold flavor.

 

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen hero — with barely any effort. It’s bright, bold, and comforting, all at once. The slow cooker gives you tender, flavorful chicken every time, and the yogurt sauce takes it over the top.

Whether you’re serving it family-style on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will become one of your new go-to dinners.