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–+ servings

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

This instant pot chicken shawarma recipe brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes!
Made with tender, spiced chicken thighs and served in warm pita with hummus, pickles, and tzatziki, this dish is a perfect quick meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (¼ stick) salted butter
  • 1 yellow onion sliced into 1-inch wedges
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into ¼-inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup garlic broth or chicken broth

To Serve

  • Pita or flatbread warmed
  • Hummus
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Dill or sour pickles diced
  • Tzatziki

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot to the Sauté (More/High) setting. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
  • Season the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs along with paprika, curry powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices.
  • Add the Broth: Pour in the garlic broth or chicken broth, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Manual (High Pressure) for 7 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure.
  • Assemble and Serve: Open the lid, stir the chicken, and let it sit for a minute to soak up the flavorful juices. Serve in warm pita with hummus, red onions, pickles, and tzatziki. Drizzle with the cooking juices for extra flavor. Wrap tightly and enjoy!

Notes

Meal Prep Tip: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and refrigerated for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestion: The cooking liquid is packed with spices—use it as a drizzle over rice or roasted vegetables!
Make It Spicier: Increase cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Alternative Proteins: Try this with lamb or beef strips for a variation.
Keyword Easy chicken shawarma recipe, Flavorful chicken recipes, Homemade shawarma in instant pot, instant pot recipes, Instant pot shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken wrap, Pressure cooker chicken shawarma, Quick dinner ideas with chicken
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