Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Name: Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup hummus; Tahini sauce, for drizzling

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Discover the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish combines tender, spiced chicken with fresh vegetables and delicious sauces.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-28T15:34:14.457Z

These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Slow-cooking allows the spices to infuse the chicken, resulting in a juicy and aromatic dish. Serve it in a bowl with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender chicken bursting with Middle Eastern spices
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
Customizable with your favorite toppings
A delicious and healthy option for the whole family

      

The Essence of Shawarma

Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern street food that features marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. In this recipe, we bring the essence of traditional shawarma into your home kitchen using a crockpot. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender while absorbing the robust spices that characterize this dish. You'll enjoy the convenience of a hands-off cooking method that yields a deeply flavorful result.

The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper creates a warm, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. Each bite of the chicken is infused with Middle Eastern flair, making it a delightful departure from your everyday meals. Whether you're a shawarma enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe will leave you craving more.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the best features of these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls is their suitability for meal prep. Preparing a large batch in advance not only saves you time during busy weekdays but also ensures you have a healthy meal option ready to go. Simply store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and you can quickly assemble your bowls throughout the week.

By using ingredients like cooked rice or quinoa and fresh vegetables, you can maintain the nutritional balance while enjoying a variety of flavors. This versatility allows you to switch up toppings or add extra veggies, keeping your meals exciting and tailored to your preferences. Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to delicious, homemade shawarma bowls!

Customizable and Flavorful

One of the standout features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Whether you prefer adding avocado, pickled vegetables, or a sprinkle of feta cheese, the options are endless. This flexibility makes it a fun dish to prepare for family gatherings or meal prepping.

Additionally, the base of rice or quinoa can be swapped for other grains like couscous or bulgur, catering to dietary preferences or restrictions. With so many possibilities, you can create a bowl that suits your taste while still enjoying the authentic flavors of shawarma.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Juice of 1 lemon

For the Bowls

2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup hummus
Tahini sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and lemon juice. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the spice mixture.

Cook in the Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the juices in the crockpot.

Assemble the Bowls

In serving bowls, layer cooked rice or quinoa, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Top with hummus, tahini sauce, and chopped parsley.

Serve and Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma fresh, store the shredded chicken and the other bowl components separately in the fridge. Properly stored, the chicken can last for up to four days, while the fresh vegetables should be consumed within two to three days to ensure optimal freshness and crunch.

When it's time to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. To maintain the crispness of your veggies, add them just before serving. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and vibrant shawarma bowl that tastes freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are not only satisfying but also make a great foundation for various serving styles. Consider serving them in pita bread for a fun twist, allowing your family to create their own wraps. This interactive approach is especially appealing for kids and encourages everyone to customize their meals.

Pair the bowls with a side of tabbouleh or a refreshing cucumber salad to enhance the meal. The bright flavors and textures of these sides complement the rich, spiced chicken beautifully, creating a well-rounded dining experience that everyone will love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure to increase the cooking time by about an hour.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños as a topping.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can use yogurt or a simple olive oil drizzle as an alternative to tahini.