Description
Savor the bold flavors of Middle Eastern-inspired chicken shawarma, roasted on a sheet pan to crispy perfection and layered with creamy Havarti cheese. This hearty sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner and combines savory chicken, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings. Serve on toasted bread for a truly mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich rolls or baguette-style bread
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 1 cup fresh greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Red onion slices (optional)
- Tzatziki sauce or garlic sauce (optional)
Instructions
-
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Shawarma:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the shawarma spice mixture. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for better flavor).
- Roast the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- While the chicken is cooking, cut the sandwich rolls in half and toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, slice it thinly.
- Layer the toasted bread with a slice of Havarti cheese, a handful of greens, sliced cucumber, tomato, and onion (if using).
- Add a generous portion of the sliced chicken shawarma and top with tzatziki sauce or garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the delicious fusion of spices and creamy cheese!
Serving Suggestions:
-
- Pair with roasted vegetables, crispy fries, or a light Greek salad for a complete meal.
- For a spicier option, add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce to the sandwich.
Notes
- For a more authentic shawarma experience, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for added flavor and juiciness.
- If you don’t have Havarti cheese, other melty cheeses like mozzarella or provolone can be substituted.
- Feel free to customize the veggies or add pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Havarti Cheese, Sheet Pan Chicken, Middle Eastern Sandwich, Shawarma Recipe, Easy Lunch, Quick Dinner
- Method: oasting, Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg