Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup Greek yogurt (divided, for marinade and sauce); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon 7-spice blend (or a mix of paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, cloves); 1/2 cucumber, finely diced (for yogurt sauce); 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped (for yogurt sauce, optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma when I want bold Mediterranean flavor with almost no effort. Tender, spiced chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a creamy yogurt marinade, then served with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce that brings everything together.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor into my kitchen without a lot of work. It takes only about 10 minutes to prep, and the slow cooker does the rest. The marinade doubles as a base for the yogurt sauce, so I’m not dealing with extra bowls or steps. The chicken comes out juicy, rich, and loaded with warm spices. I also enjoy that it’s versatile—I can serve it over rice, in pita wraps, or in shawarma bowls with all my favorite toppings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as the base. The marinade includes Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and a 7-spice blend. For the yogurt sauce, I mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Many of the same ingredients are used for both the marinade and sauce, making it super convenient.

directions

I start by mixing all the marinade ingredients together and coating the chicken thighs. I let it marinate for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. Once marinated, I transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Sometimes I like to give the chicken a quick broil at the end for extra texture. While that’s finishing, I whip up the cucumber yogurt sauce and prep any extras like warm pita, pickled onions, or hummus for serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH
Total time: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours

variations

Sometimes I swap the thighs for chicken breasts if that’s what I have on hand—just keeping an eye on cook time so they don’t dry out. If I’m craving a crispier texture, I finish the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes. I also like serving the chicken different ways—sometimes over turmeric rice, other times wrapped in warm pita with veggies and sauce, or even in salad bowls for a low-carb option.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through. If I freeze it, I make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as usual. The yogurt sauce is best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I like to marinate it for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I can. I just make sure to cook them for less time so they stay juicy.

What’s in the 7-spice blend?

The 7-spice blend usually includes spices like allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, coriander, cumin, cloves, and nutmeg. I use a pre-made blend or mix my own.

Do I have to broil the chicken?

No, it’s not required. I broil it only if I want a bit of crispy, charred texture on the outside.

What can I serve it with?

I love pairing it with warm pita, rice, hummus, pickled veggies, or fresh salad greens.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and easy. The yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with rich spices, and the cool sauce brings everything together perfectly. It’s a dish that works for weeknights or special dinners, and I can always change up how I serve it. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit.