Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls. Perfectly spiced chicken slow-cooked to perfection, served with fresh veggies and a tangy sauce.
These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are inspired by Middle Eastern flavors and are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse the chicken, resulting in a dish that's both tender and packed with flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken infused with aromatic spices
- Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- Customize with your favorite toppings and sauces
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a game-changer in the kitchen, especially for busy individuals or families. The Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls make use of this convenient method to deliver incredibly tender and flavorful chicken without requiring much active cooking time. Simply set it and forget it! While the chicken cooks, you can focus on other tasks, making it an ideal meal for those hectic weeknights.
The beauty of slow cooking lies in the melding of flavors. As the chicken simmers in its aromatic spice blend, it absorbs a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve through other cooking methods. The spices infuse the meat with rich, complex notes that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, the convenience of a crockpot means you can easily prepare this dish for gatherings or meal prep.
Customization and Toppings
One of the best aspects of these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls is their versatility. You can easily customize the bowls to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more vegetables, switch out the grains, or try different sauces, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability makes it a great meal option for a variety of dietary lifestyles.
Consider topping your bowls with a medley of fresh ingredients. Sliced cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, while chopped tomatoes bring juiciness to each bite. Fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor that complements the spices beautifully. You can even experiment with different sauces, like a creamy tahini or a zesty yogurt sauce, to elevate the dish further.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients in these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Coupled with spices like turmeric and cayenne, the dish offers anti-inflammatory properties and potential metabolism-boosting effects, making it a wholesome option for health-conscious eaters.
Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, along with dietary fiber that supports digestive health. By serving the chicken over rice or quinoa, you ensure a well-rounded meal complete with carbohydrates for energy. This dish is not only satisfying but also nourishing, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Sliced cucumber
- Chopped tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Tahini sauce or yogurt sauce
Mix and match your favorite toppings to make this dish your own!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Cook in Crockpot
Transfer the seasoned chicken to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Prepare the Bowls
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix well with the juices in the crockpot. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa with sliced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, and drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty bowls!
Storage Tips
These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. After cooking, simply let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This way, you can easily grab a delicious and nutritious meal during busy weekdays, minimizing food waste and saving time.
If you want to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing the shredded chicken. Place it in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible, and it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a low-carb option, skip the rice or quinoa and serve the shredded chicken over a bed of leafy greens for a fresh salad. This not only reduces carbohydrates but also enhances the meal with extra nutrients from the greens.
For a more traditional approach, you can serve the chicken with warm pita bread alongside the toppings. This creates a fun, interactive dining experience where everyone can build their own shawarma bowls or wraps, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more than thighs. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
→ What can I substitute for tahini?
You can use Greek yogurt, hummus, or a simple yogurt sauce made with yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls. Perfectly spiced chicken slow-cooked to perfection, served with fresh veggies and a tangy sauce.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Sliced cucumber
- Chopped tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Tahini sauce or yogurt sauce
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the seasoned chicken to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix well with the juices in the crockpot. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa with sliced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, and drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g