Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Craving authentic shawarma flavors without the hassle? This Instant Pot recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- Pita bread, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate: In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Transfer the marinated chicken and onion mixture to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 8 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick release.
- Serve: Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.
- If you prefer a spicier shawarma, increase the cayenne pepper.
- To add a smoky flavor, grill the chicken briefly before serving.
- Serve with a side of rice or couscous for a complete meal.
- Experiment with different toppings like pickled onions, parsley, or pomegranate seeds.
Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma!