Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Try this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma recipe.
Try this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma recipe.
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp paprika
- cucumber diced
- 1 tbsp of seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp of salted butter
- 1 yellow onion sliced longways into thick wedges
- 1 tbsp of crushed garlic
- 4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips with fat trimmed (thighs are strongly suggested for this recipe due to how tender they are, although breasts will do as well – you can also use some beef round/flank steak and pork tenderloin cut into strips too if y
- 1/2 cup of garlic broth (i used 1/2 tsp of garlic better t
- 1 tbsp of curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp of cumin
- 2 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper (optional)
- for arranging if desired:
- pita/flatbread warmed or room temperature
- red onion sliced into strands
- 1/2 cup olive oil (yes i know that’s a lot)
- hummus any of your choice or click here to make mi
- tzatziki (click here to make mine)
- Carbohydrate 5.96407500712452 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.90243000165523 g
- Fiber 3.85285006333596 g
- Protein 1.07668500188658 g
- Saturated Fat 0.158430000268416 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1824g)
- Sodium 2.61100000434578 mg
- Sugar 2.11122494378856 g
- Trans Fat 0.113066000166162 g
- Calories 27 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the butter and olive oil to the Instant Pot, hit “Sauté” and adjust so it’s on the “More” or “High” setting. Once melted and the oil begins to bubble (or the display reads “Hot”), add in the yellow onion and garlic and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add in the chicken thighs followed by the paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, curry powder, cumin, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well so all the spices are mixed in with everything in the pot.
- Then, add in the garlic (or chicken) broth. Stir very well, deglazing/scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Secure the lid, hit the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button and then hit “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” High Pressure for 7 minutes. Quick release when done. (Note: Remember, we really made this a spice-infused marinade more than a sauce as most of it is compromised of olive oil, therefore its main purpose is to season and infuse the chicken with that amazing shawarma flavor as it pressure cooks in the pot. So while it’s not necessarily meant to be eaten as a saucy soup, it’s perfectly ideal for drizzling over the shawarma and/or rice and veggies when serving. You can also save any remaining infused olive oil, place in a mason jar and pop in the fridge to cook other dishes with in the future!)
- Prepare your shawarma wrap by taking some pita, spreading on some hummus, laying in some chicken and yellow onion, topping with some strands of red onion, diced cucumber and some tzatziki. Top it off by drizzling the incredible spiced-infused oil we cooked our shawarma in over the top. Wrap it together nice and tightly, making sure the bottom is tight. Wrapping the bottom portion in foil may help with any messy drippings.
- Enjoy!
My Weeknight Instant Pot Shawarma: A Busy Mom's Delight
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-pot meals, and the Instant Pot has become my absolute best friend. This Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma recipe is a perfect example of how I manage to create flavorful, satisfying meals without sacrificing my sanity (or a significant chunk of my evening).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It takes less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, and the Instant Pot does the rest of the work. The result is succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken with a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that rivals any restaurant shawarma I've ever had. I love how versatile this recipe is, too. I often use leftover chicken for salads, wraps, or even just as a quick protein source for lunch the next day. The time saved is incredible.
Ingredients that Make it Sing: The secret to the incredible flavor of this shawarma lies in the generous use of spices. The combination of paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin creates a warm, complex blend that perfectly complements the chicken. I've learned to experiment with the spice levels to my liking, sometimes adding a bit more cayenne pepper for a little kick. Don’t be shy with spices! The more aromatic they are, the more flavour will infuse into that beautiful chicken.
The Secret Weapon: Broth Infusion: I've discovered a game-changer: using chicken broth in this recipe instead of just relying on oil. While oil is great for searing and flavor, the broth adds moisture and depth. It helps the spices meld and keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender. The liquid infused with the spices makes an amazing flavour drizzle on top of the finished dish. This little trick makes all the difference!
Shawarma Assembly: A Customizable Experience: Once the chicken is cooked, assembling the shawarmas is a quick and fun process. I usually use pita bread, hummus, cucumber, red onion, and tzatziki. I encourage you to get creative here! Feel free to add other vegetables like tomatoes or bell peppers. If you like a spicier shawarma, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your hummus. Another tip - prep the veggies the day before and store them in the fridge to speed up assembly.
Beyond the Shawarma: Endless Possibilities: The flavorful chicken from this recipe is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic in salads, tacos, bowls, and even quesadillas. The possibilities are endless! I love having leftover chicken to add to a quick lunch, such as a wrap. The versatility of this recipe is what makes it one of my favorites. I have repurposed the meat to so many delicious meals that it is one of my go-to recipes for my meal prep.
Time-Saving Hacks: When I'm really short on time, I'll prep the chicken and spices in the morning and just pop it in the Instant Pot when I get home from work. The beauty of this method is that it cooks even when you aren’t paying attention to it.
A Meal That Makes Memories: Making this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma is more than just cooking; it’s creating a simple, flavorful meal that my family truly enjoys. It’s a way to bring us together at the dinner table and savor a delicious, stress-free meal, even on the busiest of days. This has become a family favourite!
This recipe isn't just about the delicious food; it's about reclaiming my time and savoring those precious moments with my family. It’s about finding a balance between the demands of everyday life and creating delicious meals that nourish both body and soul.
