Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Sliders Recipe

The slow cooker does all the work — minimal prep, then set and forget.
You get juicy, flavourful chicken thanks to gentle, long cooking.
The yogurt‑tahini sauce and fresh cucumber add a light, refreshing balance to the rich spices.
It’s versatile: great as party sliders, a family dinner, or easy meal prep.
No grill or special equipment needed — just a slow cooker and common pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
olive oil
sea salt
ground black pepper
ground cumin
curry powder
smoked paprika
coconut cream
tahini
lemon juice
low‑sodium chicken broth
slider buns
cucumber, thinly sliced
fresh parsley, chopped

For the Greek Yogurt Sauce

Greek yogurt
lemon juice
tahini
garlic, minced
ground cumin
ground black pepper

Directions

In your slow cooker, combine the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, curry powder, smoked paprika, coconut cream, tahini, lemon juice, and chicken broth.
Cook on high for about 3 hours (or on low for about 6 hours) until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt sauce: mix yogurt, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the chicken is ready, shred it (or pull apart) and spoon it onto slider buns.
Top the chicken with sliced cucumber, a drizzle of the yogurt‑tahini sauce, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Yields about 6 people (serving size: 2 sliders per person)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~3 hours
Total time: ~3 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for richer flavor and extra juiciness.
Add extra vegetables: thinly sliced red onion, lettuce, or tomato inside the slider.
Spice it up: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder for some heat.
Swap the slider buns for pita bread or flatbread to make shawarma‑style wraps instead.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken (without buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a pan or microwave — adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the chicken moist. Assemble sliders just before serving to keep buns fresh and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

For best results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs — they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Breasts work too, but may be slightly drier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can cook the chicken ahead, store it in the fridge, and assemble sliders when ready to serve.

Is the Greek yogurt sauce optional?

You could skip it, but the sauce balances the spices and adds creaminess. Alternatively, you could use tahini sauce or garlic sauce instead.

Can I add more veggies or toppings to the sliders?

Absolutely. Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, or pickles all pair nicely.

What if I don’t have coconut cream?

You can substitute with light cream or even plain yogurt — you might lose a bit of richness, but it will still work.

How can I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce either in the cooking step or at assembly for extra heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — just ensure your slow cooker is large enough, and adjust cooking time if needed.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes — once cooled, store in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.

What can I serve besides slider buns?

Pita bread, flatbreads, or even a bed of rice or salad work great for a different take.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes — prepping once and storing portions makes it convenient for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Sliders recipe delivers all the delicious spices and comfort of shawarma — without the fuss — in slider form. Easy to prepare ahead, flexible to customize, and perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. A handy go‑to when you want bold flavor with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Sliders

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These Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Sliders are a flavorful, healthy twist on traditional shawarma, made easily in a crockpot. Perfectly spiced chicken is slow-cooked to tender perfection and served on slider buns for a fun and easy meal.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken.
Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and lemon juice over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the juices.
Serve warm on whole wheat slider buns with your choice of toppings.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can prepare the spice mix ahead of time and store in a sealed jar.
Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg