Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Name: Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup tahini sauce or yogurt for drizzling

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-28T14:52:09.255Z

This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe brings the vibrant flavors of shawarma right to your kitchen. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the crockpot, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and grains.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender chicken infused with a mix of aromatic spices
Easy to prepare and cooks while you go about your day
Versatile – customize your bowl with your favorite toppings

      

The Essence of Shawarma

Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish known for its bold and aromatic flavors. Traditionally made with marinated meats that are slow-cooked on a vertical spit, shawarma is deeply infused with spices that create a tantalizing experience for the palate. This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowl recipe captures that essence in a simpler, more convenient format, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without the need for specialized equipment.

In this recipe, we use chicken thighs, which are not only tender but also soak up the marinade beautifully. The combination of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric provides a warm, earthy flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a shawarma aficionado or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to impress.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the standout features of this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowl recipe is its meal prep potential. The crockpot does all the hard work for you, allowing the chicken to cook slowly while you go about your day. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or for preparing meals in advance for the week ahead.

Simply marinate your chicken, set your crockpot, and let it do its thing. Once the chicken is cooked, you can portion it out into containers with your choice of rice or quinoa, fresh veggies, and toppings. This not only saves time but also ensures you have healthy, flavorful meals ready to go.

Customizable Bowls

One of the best parts about these chicken shawarma bowls is their versatility. You can easily customize your bowl with various toppings and ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The base of rice or quinoa can be topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Additionally, you can switch up the sauces too. While tahini sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor, a dollop of yogurt can provide a cooling contrast to the spices. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs like mint or cilantro, or even add a spicy kick with jalapeños. The possibilities are endless, making each bowl a unique creation!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Bowls

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

Mix and match your favorite toppings to create the perfect bowl!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.

Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Assemble the Bowls

Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, and top with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt.

Enjoy your flavorful shawarma bowl!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover chicken shawarma, you’re in luck! The flavors continue to develop even after cooking, making it a delicious option for next-day meals. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, simply thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. This way, you can enjoy the tender, spiced chicken just as it was when freshly made, adding it to your rice or quinoa bowls, salads, or wraps.

Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with various side dishes. Consider serving them alongside a fresh tabbouleh salad, which adds a bright, herby flavor that complements the spices of the chicken beautifully. Alternatively, pita bread can be a great addition for scooping up the ingredients and making the meal even more interactive.

For a complete dining experience, you might also want to serve a light dessert, such as fresh fruit or an easy yogurt parfait, to cleanse the palate after the savory richness of the shawarma bowls. Enjoy your meal with family and friends for a delightful evening!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs will yield a more tender and juicy result.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to add avocado, olives, or feta cheese for additional flavor.