Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
on May 16, 2025
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A simple recipe that can be the base of so many delicious meals, this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma will the new favorite family meal.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe Great
Craving the vibrant flavors of chicken shawarma but don’t have hours to marinate and roast? Look no further! This Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma recipe is your secret weapon for achieving incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful shawarma in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade delight that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and your trusty Instant Pot to create a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a fun weekend feast. Get ready to experience the magic of perfectly spiced chicken that shreds effortlessly and tastes absolutely divine.
Ingredient List
- Chicken Thighs– any mix of thighs and breast will work
- Chicken Breasts
- Cumin
- Paprika– feel free to be flexible with the amount for the spices, make it just how you like it
- Turmeric
- Granulated Garlic
- Ground Allspice
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cinnamon– the cinnamon adds a warmth and
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
- Chicken Broth– any broth will work in this recipe
Pro Tip
Lettuce Wraps= Lettuce , cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and tahini sauce chop and prep all the veggies at the beginning of the week and assemble when you are ready to eat.
Bowl= Prep the rice and let it cool before you make the individually bowls adding lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped red onions and tahini sauce.
Wrap= Naan/pita, lettuce, cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, red onion and tahini sauce. Leave everything off the bread until you are ready to eat, or it will get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill the instant pot with chicken?
- Ensure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches.
Chicken for Every Day of the Week
Pin this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma to save for later!
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
- 1 – 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 – 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts and thighs into strips and place into your instant pot.
- In a small bowl combine all of spices (cumin – cinnamon).
- Pour the spice mix over the chicken with a pinch of salt and some pepper.
- Mix it all together so the spices evenly coat the chicken. Add chicken broth to the pot and secure the lid.
- Place it on the poultry setting and get the time to 15 minutes.
- Once the time is up let it depressurize on its own for 10 minutes then turn the steam release to venting until all the pressure is released.
- Serve with veggies or on sweet potato toast drizzled with tahini sauce.
Notes
- If making in a slow cooker, follow the same instructions and cook on low for 4 hours.
Why did you go with breast/thigh combo?
I think thighs add such a fabulous flavor!!
Kelsey! I have so enjoyed following your blog. I plan on trying this recipe out soon! My husband and I LOVE Mediterranean food. I recently came across this recipe on Pinterest ( https://iowagirleats.com/2016/03/21/chicken-shawarma-fries-mediterranean-salsa-garlic-sauce/) and wanted to share it with you as it was one of the best meals I’ve ever made. Thanks to this lady who posted it! But, since you asked what my favorite dish is, this is one of them! Blessings, and thank you for sharing all your wonderful stories, recipes and being a joy!
Oh that looks SO good!!! I’ll have to try it out! I hope you enjoy this recipe too!! 🙂
Kelsey! I’m loving all your instant pot recipes I just got mine and am literally scared everytime I use it! Great recipe!
Hahaa omg I know it’s a little scary!! Thanks so much!!
This was really freaking good and so easy!!
Thanks!!
Making this next week!
What is the tahini sauce that you use on top? Is it just tahini, or a sauce you make? I looked (not that hard) but couldn’t find a recipe?
thanks!!
I linked to the tahini sauce in the post! It’s on my site already!
Ohh I guess I should actually have read the post and not just skipped to the recipe!
Yum!! I love Shawarma. This is great for my never-ending Greek food cravings. Would be great with a cauliflower cous cous, and love that this recipe is so healthy. Must try xx
Please do try!! 🙂
I have wanted to try Schwarma ever since I saw the Avengers. I am going to try this this weekend. Julie
I hope you love it!!
This was amazing and so simple!!!
YAY! So glad you liked it!!
Just finished dinner. This came out super bland, and the breast it out chewy and dry. I followed the recipe exactly, except I used drumsticks instead of thighs. Super disappointed.
Hmm It might have been the use of drumsticks! They are much different than thighs and I haven’t tested the recipe with them!
I did also feel it was a bit bland. I am going to double the seasoning next time. I put the chicken in a pita with garlic sauce, cucumbers, tomatoes and some tzatziki and it helped give it a flavor boost.
Turned out great. I used a little more thigh than breast as my friends have said they do better in the instant pot! It was so easy and delicious with steamed broccoli and tahini sauce! Made leftovers for the week. Thanks for a great recipe!
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Great and easy recipe! I do about 3 lbs of boneless skinless thighs and double the spice mixture. I serve it with feta, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce.
Love it!!