If you love bold Middle Eastern flavors but do not want to spend hours cooking, this Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma is going to become one of your favorite dinners. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, juicy, and full of warm shawarma spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric.
Traditionally, shawarma is cooked slowly on a vertical spit and shaved into thin slices. While that method creates amazing flavor, it is not very practical for home kitchens. That is where the Instant Pot comes in. With this easy Instant Pot chicken shawarma recipe, you can recreate those rich spices and juicy texture in a fraction of the time.
Serve the chicken in warm pita bread, over rice bowls, or on top of fresh salads with garlic sauce. It is a perfect weeknight dinner, meal prep recipe, or quick family meal that always satisfies.
Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
This recipe is popular because it is simple but delivers big flavor. The pressure cooker locks in the spices and juices so the chicken stays moist and delicious.
• It is ready in about 30 minutes
• The chicken turns out tender and juicy
• The shawarma spices create rich flavor
• It works well for wraps, bowls, and salads
• It is great for meal prep during busy weeks
You can also make this recipe with either chicken thighs or chicken breasts depending on what you have available.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
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To make this flavorful chicken shawarma in the Instant Pot, you will need a few pantry spices and fresh ingredients.
Main Ingredients
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
Shawarma Spice Blend
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
These spices give the chicken its classic shawarma flavor profile.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Prepare the Shawarma Spice Mix
Start by mixing the shawarma spices in a small bowl. Combine the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend creates the bold and warm flavor that shawarma is known for.
Season the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and the shawarma spice mix.
Use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken until it is evenly coated with the spices. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes will deepen the flavor. However, you can cook it immediately if you are in a hurry.
Pressure Cook the Chicken
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. This helps create steam so the pressure cooker works properly.
Add the seasoned chicken and spread it evenly in the pot.
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
When the cooking cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.
Shred or Slice the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot. You can either shred it using two forks or slice it into thin strips depending on how you want to serve it.
For extra flavor, place the chicken back into the pot and toss it in the cooking juices.
Optional Step for Crispy Shawarma
If you want that classic street-style shawarma texture, spread the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil it for 3 to 5 minutes.
This step adds slightly crispy edges and deepens the flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Shawarma
This Instant Pot chicken shawarma is very versatile and can be served in many delicious ways.
Some popular serving ideas include:
• Stuffed into warm pita bread with garlic sauce
• Served over rice bowls with cucumber and tomatoes
• Added to fresh salads with tahini dressing
• Wrapped in flatbread with lettuce and onions
• Served on Mediterranean platters with hummus
Toppings that pair well with shawarma include yogurt sauce, pickled vegetables, fresh parsley, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Making shawarma in the Instant Pot is simple, but these tips help guarantee the best flavor and texture.
• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest result. They stay more tender during pressure cooking.
• Do not skip the lemon juice. It brightens the spices and balances the flavors.
• Broil the chicken briefly. This creates the crispy edges that shawarma is known for.
• Save the cooking liquid. Drizzle it over the chicken when serving for extra flavor.
Storage and Meal Prep
This recipe is excellent for meal prep because the flavors continue to develop as the chicken sits.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
- Place chicken in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and the spice mix. Toss until well coated.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add the seasoned chicken.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 mins.
- Allow 5 mins natural release, then release the remaining pressure.
- Remove chicken and shred with forks or slice into strips.
- Spread chicken on a baking sheet and broil 3–5 mins for crispy edges.
- Serve in pita bread, wraps, rice bowls, or salads.
Notes
- For juicier shawarma, use chicken thighs.
- If time allows, marinate the chicken 30 mins before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Broiling after cooking gives the chicken the classic shawarma crispy edges.
- Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.
This Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma brings the bold flavors of a traditional shawarma shop right into your kitchen. The pressure cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender while the warm spice blend creates layers of flavor in every bite.
Whether you serve it in wraps, rice bowls, or fresh salads, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep.
Once you try it, this might easily become one of your favorite Instant Pot chicken dinner recipes.
