Transform your crock pot into a shawarma paradise: recipe for juicy, aromatic chicken
What To Know
- Transfer the marinated chicken to the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a kick of spice.
- The crock pot’s low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb all the flavorful juices from the marinade, resulting in a succulent and satisfying dish.
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of the Middle East with our delectable Chicken Shawarma Recipe Crock Pot. This slow-cooked dish combines tender chicken, an explosion of spices, and a creamy tahini sauce to create a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. Join us on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the effortless steps to prepare this crowd-pleasing meal in your trusty crock pot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or tortillas
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced onions
- Hummus
- Pickles
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with the olive oil, lemon juice, shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken to the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Make the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Shawarma: Warm the pita bread or tortillas in the microwave or oven. Spread a layer of hummus on the bread, followed by the cooked chicken, tahini sauce, and your desired toppings (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickles).
7. Enjoy: Fold or wrap the shawarma and savor the explosion of flavors with every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Shawarma
- For a more flavorful marinade, allow the chicken to marinate for an extended period (up to 24 hours).
- If you don’t have shawarma spice blend, you can make your own by combining cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, paprika, and cinnamon.
- To enhance the smoky flavor, grill the chicken for a few minutes before slow cooking.
- Serve the shawarma with additional toppings of your choice, such as parsley, cilantro, or feta cheese.
Variations
- Spicy Shawarma: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a kick of spice.
- Vegetarian Shawarma: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled vegetables for a meatless option.
- Lamb Shawarma: Use boneless, skinless lamb leg or shoulder instead of chicken for a more traditional flavor.
The Secret to Tender Chicken
The key to tender, juicy chicken is to cook it slowly and evenly. The crock pot‘s low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb all the flavorful juices from the marinade, resulting in a succulent and satisfying dish.
Health Benefits of Shawarma
Aside from its delicious taste, shawarma offers several health benefits:
- Protein-packed: Chicken is a lean protein that helps build and repair body tissues.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Shawarma contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, potassium, and magnesium.
- Low in calories: Compared to other Middle Eastern dishes, shawarma is relatively low in calories, making it a healthier choice.
Closing Thoughts
Our Chicken Shawarma Recipe Crock Pot is a culinary delight that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tahini sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before marinating.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. However, marinating for more than 24 hours is not recommended.
Q: Can I cook the chicken on high in the crock pot?
A: Cooking the chicken on high will result in a drier texture. It is best to cook it on low for optimal tenderness.
Q: Can I make the shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and tahini sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and assemble the shawarma.
Q: What can I substitute for tahini?
A: If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or hummus.
