Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls, perfect for busy weeknights.
These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls bring the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices to meld beautifully. Serve it over rice or quinoa with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bold and aromatic spices that awaken your taste buds
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Versatile: customize with your favorite toppings and sides
A Flavorful Journey
The Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls take your taste buds on a delightful adventure. Each bite is infused with a symphony of spices that transport you to the bustling streets of the Middle East. The combination of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika not only adds depth but also creates an aromatic experience that makes this dish unforgettable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet.
Using chicken thighs ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful, as they hold up well during the slow cooking process. The spices meld beautifully with the chicken, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day.
Customization is Key
One of the best aspects of these Shawarma bowls is their versatility. You can easily customize them to your liking by adding your favorite toppings and sides. Whether you prefer a fresh crunch with cucumbers and tomatoes or a creamy element with yogurt or tahini sauce, the options are endless. This adaptability means you can make each meal unique, catering to everyone's tastes and dietary preferences.
Feel free to experiment with different grains as well. While rice or quinoa provides a hearty base, alternatives like couscous or farro can add an interesting twist. Additionally, you can include roasted vegetables or pickled items to elevate the bowls even further. The possibilities are vast, ensuring that you never get bored with this delicious meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls are not just a fantastic weeknight dinner; they also make for excellent meal prep. The shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to create quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat the chicken and assemble your bowls with fresh ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying meal in minutes.
Moreover, this recipe scales easily, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or for batch cooking. Double the recipe and freeze the extra chicken for a future meal. You’ll appreciate having this flavorful dish on hand when time is tight, ensuring you can enjoy homemade goodness without the stress.
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 ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Chopped cucumbers
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped parsley
- Yogurt or tahini sauce
Mix and match the toppings to create your perfect bowl!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
Cook in the Crockpot
Transfer the chicken mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the juices.
Assemble the Bowls
Serve the shredded chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and your choice of sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Shawarma bowls!
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken shawarma, you're in for a treat! Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and label them with the date. Frozen chicken can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Serving Suggestions
When assembling your bowls, consider adding a variety of textures and flavors. For a refreshing crunch, include chopped cucumbers and diced tomatoes. Sliced red onions add a nice zing, while chopped parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. Don't forget to drizzle your favorite sauce, whether it's a creamy yogurt or a tangy tahini, to tie all the flavors together.
You can also serve these bowls alongside pita bread or a simple salad for a more substantial meal. Pairing with a light beverage, such as sparkling water with lemon, can enhance the overall dining experience, making it a delightful feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the chicken?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with these bowls?
These bowls pair well with pita bread, hummus, or a simple salad.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with these Spicy Crockpot Chicken Shawarma Bowls, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Megan Douglas
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
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 ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Chopped cucumbers
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped parsley
- Yogurt or tahini sauce
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the chicken mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the juices.
Serve the shredded chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and your choice of sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g