Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma & Garlic Sauce

I remember my first Shawarma and it's something I'll never forget! It was a Shawarma (shaved, slow roasted meat) on a bun with delicious white sauce and veggies in a little place in Cairo, I didn't know food could be that good! I haven't had one like it, they're usually served in pitas or on rice around here (still very very good).

So, of course I'm gonna try my hand at making a slow cooker version - knowing full well that it will never taste as good as something slow roasted on a spit but I'm sure gonna try!

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

8-12 Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs, cut in thin strips

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 onion, sliced thin

1/4 cup Lemon Juice

1/4 cup Olive Oil

1 tsp Salt

2 tsp Curry Powder (I have also used Epicure's Mango Curry Seasoning)

1 cup Greek Yogurt

In a slow cooker, combine chicken, garlic, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt & curry powder. Cook on high for 3 hours. Add greek yogurt and serve on rice or in a bun with tomatoes, cucumber, garlic sauce, and hot sauce (optional).

Freezer Instructions: Combine all ingredients except yogurt in a freezer bag and freeze. To use, thaw for 24 hours in a fridge and empty contents of bag into a slow cooker. Follow instructions above.

If you would like a more authentic crispy chicken, try removing the chicken from the slow cooker once it is done (before adding the yogurt) and pan frying the meat in butter, olive oil, and a few scoops of the remaining sauce until the chicken browns. Add the yogurt just before serving. It tastes almost real, plus the juices left in the pan are amazing on your rice or for dipping bread or pita!

Garlic Sauce (for the top)

3/4 cup Greek Yogurt

1/4 cup Mayonnaise

6 cloves Garlic, minced

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Dried Mint

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a bowl and let sit for about an hour before serving. Spread as a condiment on both sides of the bun or pita before adding the chicken and veggies in a Shawarma Sandwich or pour on top for an amazing flavour kick. (Just don't plan to get close to anyone else for the rest of the day!!!)

So good, I think I might make it again for dinner tomorrow!

~Adel~