Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Highlighted under: World Kitchen Essentials

Experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls. Perfectly spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce come together for a satisfying meal.

Adele Summers

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:46:15.172Z

This dish brings together the warm spices of shawarma with the convenience of a crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices
  • Easy to prepare and cooks while you go about your day
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces

The Flavor Profile of Shawarma

Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its bold and aromatic flavors. The unique blend of spices used in this recipe, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, contributes to the rich taste of the chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. The cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat, perfectly balanced by the acidity of the lemon juice, which brightens the overall dish.

Incorporating garlic into the marinade enhances the depth of flavor, while the slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse into the chicken, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that are bursting with taste. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer a milder version, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your palate.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the standout features of these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls is their convenience. The crockpot does all the hard work for you, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply combine the ingredients, set the cooking time, and go about your day while the flavors develop beautifully.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as the chicken can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can easily assemble bowls throughout the week, adding fresh vegetables and sauces to keep each meal exciting and varied. It's an excellent way to enjoy nutritious and satisfying lunches or dinners without the fuss.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

One of the joys of these Shawarma Bowls is their versatility. The base of rice or quinoa pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, allowing you to customize each bowl to your liking. Consider adding roasted vegetables, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

For those who enjoy a little crunch, crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts can add texture and enhance the meal. Don't forget to experiment with different sauces, such as tzatziki or a spicy harissa, to elevate the dish. The options are endless, making it easy to create a personalized experience that suits your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful bowls:

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For Serving

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)
  • Tahini sauce or yogurt
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious shawarma bowls:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

Cook in the Crockpot

Transfer the seasoned chicken to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to soak up the juices.

Assemble the Bowls

Serve the chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, and top with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and herbs.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying shawarma bowls!

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Pro Tips

  • Feel free to customize your bowls with additional toppings like pickled vegetables or feta cheese.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftover Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it an excellent option for quick meals. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving Ideas for Gatherings

These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are a fantastic option for gatherings or casual get-togethers. Set up a DIY bowl station with all the components laid out, allowing guests to create their own personalized bowls. This interactive approach encourages creativity and accommodates various dietary preferences.

Pair the bowls with sides such as hummus, pita bread, or a refreshing salad. These accompaniments complement the flavors of the shawarma while providing additional options for your guests. Whether it's a family dinner or a friendly barbecue, these bowls are sure to impress and satisfy everyone.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, the chicken can be marinated a day ahead and cooked when ready.

→ What can I substitute for tahini sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt or a simple garlic sauce as an alternative.

Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Experience the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls. Perfectly spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce come together for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Adele Summers

Recipe Type: World Kitchen Essentials

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  4. 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika
  6. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  7. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  10. Juice of 1 lemon

For Serving

  1. Cooked rice or quinoa
  2. Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce)
  3. Tahini sauce or yogurt
  4. Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 02

Transfer the seasoned chicken to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to soak up the juices.

Step 04

Serve the chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, and top with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and herbs.

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to customize your bowls with additional toppings like pickled vegetables or feta cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 40g