Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

I was just looking around and saw this recipe. I happened to have some chicken and shallots so i went for it. Think of shawarma as a Middle Eastern-style taco or burrito. This recipe can be adjusted for beef or goat, if you like. Spoiler Alert! The shawarma flavors are in the juices and onions in the bottom of the crockpot not the chicken meat. Be sure and keep those.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, rinsed well inside and out and patted dry
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, quartered
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika (I use Hungarian)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
dash nutmeg (preferably fresh grated)
½ teaspoon crushed red chili peppers (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon unrefined salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2-3 tablespoons olive oil (to mix with the spices to make a paste)
1 large onion, sliced
2 shallots, sliced
10-12 flour taco shells, or flat bread or pita, warmed

Directions:

  1. Place the lemon and sliced shallots into the cavity.
  2. Mix the spices together in a small bowl (coriander, paprika, thyme, cumin, chili powder, ginger, nutmeg, salt & pepper) and combine with the olive oil and garlic to make a paste. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, coating evenly.
  3. Scatter the chopped onion over the bottom of a 7-quart oval slow cooker. Place the chicken on top breast side down.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Start checking for doneness at 4.
  5. When done (check with a thermometer and make sure the juices run clear) place the chicken into a roasting pan and broil for 3-5 minutes. If you can adjust the temperature on your broiler, set it to 450. If your only option is 550, just watch it closely to make sure it gets nice and brown but doesn’t burn.
  6. Be sure and capture the juices and onion from the bottom of the crock pot and set aside; reheat before adding to the shawarmas you make.
  7. Thinly slice the chicken meat and served on warmed flour taco shells, with the onions from the crockpot; tzatziki sauce, tahini, humus, pickles, onions, chopped lettuce, etc. pretty much anything you like. Roll up the stuffed tortilla and feast.