Can I cook chicken shawarma on high instead of low?

Yes. Cook on High for about 3 to 4 hours. Low gives a more tender, shreddable result.

3-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken Shawarma

Name: Crockpot Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend

The easiest way to get deep, spiced shawarma flavor with almost no effort. Coat chicken in Greek yogurt and Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend, then slow-cook on low until it shreds. Three ingredients, five minutes of prep, dinner that tastes like it took all day — because it did.

The short answer: Stir 2 tbsp Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend into ¼ cup Greek yogurt, coat 1 lb chicken, and cook on Low for 6–8 hours until it pulls apart. Shred, toss in the juices, and serve.

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 6–8 hours on low | Serves: 3–4

Why this crockpot shawarma works

Traditional shawarma is stacked on a vertical spit and shaved off as it roasts — incredible, but not a Tuesday-night project. This version keeps two things that make shawarma taste like shawarma and lets the slow cooker do the rest.

First, the yogurt marinade. The acidity in Greek yogurt gently tenderizes the chicken while it cooks, so every piece stays moist and shreds cleanly. Second, the spice blend does all the seasoning for you — Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend brings the warm, layered mix of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic that would otherwise mean measuring out six or seven jars. Two tablespoons is all you need.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
2 tbsp Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend

Thighs vs. breasts: thighs are the more forgiving pick for a long, hands-off cook and stay silky even if you leave them in all day. Breasts are leaner and lovely too — just lean toward the shorter end of the cook time so they don't dry out.

Shredded crockpot chicken shawarma in a slow cooker next to a completed bowl, garlic toum dip and flatbread

How to make crockpot chicken shawarma

Make the marinade. In a bowl, stir the Greek yogurt and Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend into a thick, even paste.
Coat the chicken. Add the chicken and turn each piece until it's completely covered in the spiced yogurt.
Load the crockpot. Lay the chicken in a single layer. Add a splash of water or broth only if your slow cooker tends to run hot.
Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours — overnight or while you're at work — until the chicken hits 165°F and pulls apart easily.
Shred and serve. Shred with two forks, toss through the spiced juices in the bottom of the pot, and pile into pita or onto a bowl.

How long do you cook chicken shawarma in a crockpot?

Cook chicken shawarma on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Low is the better choice for the deep, shreddable texture and for an overnight or all-day cook. Chicken thighs hold up gracefully toward the longer end of that range; check breasts around 4 to 6 hours. Either way, the chicken is done at an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to serve with crockpot chicken shawarma

This is the kind of recipe you cook once and eat three ways. In a wrap: warm pita, garlic sauce or tahini, tomato, pickles, and a handful of parsley. As a bowl: over rice or greens with hummus, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon. Mezze-style: alongside a chopped falafel dip, olives, and warm flatbread.

Storage & freezing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days — the flavor only gets better. To freeze, cool completely and store with a little of the juices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and warm gently so it stays tender.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Thighs stay juicier over a long cook, but breasts work well too — just check them closer to the 4-to-6-hour mark on Low so they don't dry out.

Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot?

Usually not. The yogurt marinade plus the moisture the chicken releases is enough. Add a splash of water or broth only if your slow cooker runs hot.

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

You can — about 3 to 4 hours on High. Low gives the most tender, shreddable result, which is why it's the better pick for overnight or all-day cooking.

Is chicken shawarma spicy?

Shawarma seasoning is warm and aromatic with a touch of heat — think cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic. Afia Shawarma Mediterranean Spice Blend does have a little kick, which pairs nicely with garlic toum or yogurt sauce in the final dish. If you are sensitive to spice, start by halving the amount of spice mix in the recipe.