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Shawarma chicken thighs shredded on a white platter.

Shawarma Chicken Thighs Recipe

Contributor: Christine Pittman

This version uses the Instant Pot to cook the chicken thighs, see the article above for oven and for grilling instructions.

  • Author: Christine Pittman
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Entrée
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of cloves
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3/4 cup water or chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1/2 cup hummus, tzatziki, or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl combine the cumin, cinnamon, salt, cayenne, and cloves.
  2. Rub all over the outside of the chicken thighs.
  3. Into the Instant Pot measure the water or stock, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir.
  4. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. The liquid should not cover the thighs fully.
  5. Set the pressure cooker to pressure cook on high for 13 minutes.
  6. Allow pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes and then turn valve to vent.
  7. Remove chicken from Instant Pot. Use two forks to shred meat.
  8. Serve chicken with sliced cucumber, red onion, pita bread, and sauce of your choice.

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