Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ⅓ cup Greek yogurt; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon 7 spice (Middle Eastern spice blend); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 medium onion, sliced into rounds; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 Tablespoons grated cucumber; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Yellow rice; Pita bread; Arabic pickles; Pickled turnips; Hummus; Olives; Tomatoes; Red onion; Lettuce

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

If you love bold Mediterranean flavors but crave an easy, hands-off meal, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe. Tender chicken thighs steeped in a fragrant blend of spices slowly cook to juicy perfection, soaking up every bit of aroma and taste. Paired with a cooling, tangy cucumber yogurt sauce, this dish delivers a beautiful harmony of spice and freshness that feels both comforting and vibrant. Whether spooned over fluffy yellow rice or tucked into warm pita bread with your favorite toppings, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless yet unforgettable weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, light brown mixture that has a thick, creamy texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a light blue cloth and a metal whisk are visible near the bowl. The mixture is evenly spread inside the bowl with gentle swirls on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in layering flavor, texture, and color in the final dish.

Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy base for both the marinade and sauce, tenderizing the chicken and adding richness.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the spices with zesty acidity.
Garlic: Infuses everything with its unmistakable bold, aromatic punch.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and warm color to the chicken.
Cumin: Adds earthy depth that’s signature to shawarma seasoning.
Black pepper: Gives a sharp bite that wakes up the palate.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
7 spice blend: A magical mix that layers in warmth and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: For just the right amount of heat.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and flavorful after slow cooking.
Onion: Adds sweetness that mellows as it cooks underneath the chicken.
Grated cucumber: Fresh and crisp, it’s a key cooling element in the yogurt sauce.
Optional toppings: Such as yellow rice, pita bread, Arabic pickles, hummus, olives, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce elevate the presentation and texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, 7 spice, and red pepper flakes into a medium bowl. This vibrant marinade is the secret to the incredible depth of flavor that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe stand out. Rubbing it all over the chicken thighs and letting them rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours—the longer, the better—allows the spices to fully infuse the meat, setting the stage for juicy, aromatic chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Once your chicken has marinated, spread sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. These onions will slowly caramelize during cooking, soaking up shawarma spices and imparting sweetness beneath the tender chicken thighs. Place the marinated chicken on top of the onions, covering them in all that flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking transforms the chicken, rendering it melt-in-your-mouth tender while keeping it juicy and packed with flavor. After cooking, remove the chicken, slice it into strips to showcase that beautiful succulent texture, and then return it to the sauce in the slow cooker to soak up every last drop before serving.

Step 4: Whip Up the Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This fresh, creamy sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the spiced chicken, offering cooling relief and tang that complements every bite. Its grated cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and lightness that you will want to drizzle generously over your shawarma.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Two pita sandwiches wrapped partially in shiny aluminum foil sit on a round brown plate with a ridged edge. Each pita is white with light grill marks and folded open to hold layers of yellowish seasoned chicken pieces, red tomato slices, thin purple onion rings, some green chopped herbs, and white drizzle sauce that also spills slightly on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are green leafy herbs and small round red tomatoes scattered casually. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like sliced tomatoes, Arabic pickles, pickled turnips, olives, red onions, and fresh lettuce turns this dish into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. These vibrant, crunchy elements contribute layers of texture and brightness that balance the rich, spiced chicken and silky yogurt sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe over fluffy yellow rice to soak up all the luscious juices, or serve alongside warm, soft pita bread for an irresistible wrap. Hummus is another amazing side that adds creaminess and a nutty taste, elevating this meal to a full Mediterranean experience right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling a little creative? Lay a warm pita flat, spread a generous layer of yogurt sauce down the center, and pile on the sliced slow cooker chicken. Top it off with your favorite fresh toppings and fold into a shawarma wrap. This hand-held delight is perfect for casual meals or picnics where you want bold taste in every bite with no fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and yogurt sauce in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days, making for quick lunches or dinners that taste just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep the magic around even longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently either in a pan over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or extra yogurt sauce to brighten the flavors and keep the chicken moist. Serve warm with fresh toppings for a meal that tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs are recommended because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking. Breasts can dry out more easily and may need careful timing to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 4 hours is important for flavor penetration and tenderizing, but overnight marination enhances it even more. If you’re short on time, try for the minimum and you’ll still get tasty results.

Is the yogurt sauce necessary?

The yogurt sauce is the perfect balance to the spice and richness of the chicken, adding a refreshing, creamy element. While you can eat the chicken on its own, the sauce truly elevates the entire dish.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can grill or bake the marinated chicken as an alternative. However, the slow cooker method delivers particularly tender meat with minimal effort and hands-off cooking time.

What are some other toppings I can add?

Feel free to customize with your favorites like fresh herbs (parsley, mint), pickled vegetables, diced cucumbers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce Recipe is such a fantastic way to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen without any stress. The tender, spice-kissed chicken combined with the cool, tangy yogurt sauce creates a dish that promises both comfort and excitement with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!