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one small whole-wheat pita opened around browned spiced chicken thigh strips with diced cucumber and tomato and a light spoonful of white yogurt sauce on a plain plate, with no fries, extra dip or garnish
Melissa Hart

Crockpot Chicken Shawarma

The slow cooker won't give shawarma the browned edges of a turning spit, but a brief broil after cooking puts some color back on the spiced chicken. Drain the meat before that finish so it browns instead of steaming; cool cucumber, tomato and yogurt go into the pita after the hot chicken. The filling stays juicy without needing a heavy oil-based sauce or a second layer of melted cheese. Estimated calories: about 460 per serving, including everything listed.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs visible fat trimmed
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice divided
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 4 small whole-wheat pitas about 120 calories each

Method
 

  1. Mix onion, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
  2. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken reaches at least 165°F and is tender.
  3. Lift chicken onto a foil-lined metal sheet pan, leaving excess juices behind. Pull into broad strips and broil 6 inches from the heat for 3 to 5 minutes until a few edges brown, watching constantly.
  4. Stir yogurt with the remaining tablespoon lemon juice. Keep cucumber and tomato cold until serving.
  5. Warm pitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side and open each pocket.
  6. Fill each pita with one-quarter of the chicken, cucumber, tomato and yogurt sauce.