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If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors paired with the creamy, buttery richness of Havarti cheese, the Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish brings together succulent, spice-infused chicken roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan, layered with fresh veggies and melty cheese inside a crusty sandwich roll. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and cheesy, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the aromatic shawarma spices that deeply flavor the chicken to the fresh veggies that add brightness and crunch. The Havarti cheese brings a mellow creaminess that rounds out the sandwich beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken moist during roasting.
- 1 tbsp ground cumin: Adds an earthy warmth and classic shawarma aroma.
- 1 tbsp ground coriander: Provides a subtle citrusy note to brighten the spice blend.
- 1 tbsp paprika: Brings a smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 1 tsp ground turmeric: Offers mild bitterness and a vibrant golden hue.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory flavor and complements fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of sweet-spice complexity.
- 1 tsp ground cardamom: Gives a unique floral and citrus twist.
- 1 tsp ground cloves: Lends a subtle warmth and richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Brings a bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic sharpens and invigorates the marinade.
- 4 sandwich rolls or baguette-style bread: Choose sturdy bread to hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
- 4 slices Havarti cheese: Melts smoothly and provides a mild creamy richness.
- 1 cup fresh greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula): Adds crispness and a refreshing contrast.
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced: Offers cool crunchiness that balances the spices.
- 1 tomato, sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and color.
- Red onion slices (optional): Imparts a sharp bite if you love a bit of pungency.
- Tzatziki sauce or garlic sauce (optional): Creamy, tangy sauces that take this sandwich over the top.
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting the chicken quickly and evenly, locking in all those rich shawarma spices while creating a tender, juicy texture inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shawarma Spice Mix
Whisk together the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This fragrant blend is the heart of your dish and the reason the chicken tastes so authentically delicious.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the spice mixture all over, massaging it in thoroughly. Add the minced garlic for fresh zest. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those bold flavors. For even more depth, marinate overnight in the fridge.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken on a Sheet Pan
Place the marinated chicken on a parchment paper–lined sheet pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Roasting on one pan means minimal cleanup and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest and Slice
Once it’s out of the oven, give the chicken a few minutes to rest. This keeps it juicy. Then slice it thinly—these tender, flavorful slices will be perfect for layering in your sandwich.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice your sandwich rolls and toast them lightly if you want a bit of crunch. Layer each with a slice of creamy Havarti cheese, fresh greens, cucumber, tomato, and optional red onion for some zing. Pile on the warm sliced chicken, then drizzle with tzatziki or garlic sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
This is where the magic happens—serve immediately while everything is warm and the Havarti is just starting to melt, creating an irresistible melty sandwich experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brings a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with shawarma spices. A wedge of lemon on the side invites you to add an extra zing of acidity, brightening every bite.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp Mediterranean sides like a simple tabbouleh salad, roasted chickpeas, or even fries seasoned with za’atar or sumac for that extra Middle Eastern touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your sandwiches into a fun platter by slicing them into smaller portions and serving alongside pickled vegetables and olives. Alternatively, wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a portable, picnic-ready meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken or sandwich components, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, ensuring you can enjoy this flavor-packed dish even on busy days.
Freezing
The cooked chicken slices freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until hot, then assemble your sandwich fresh. Toast the bread again if necessary to refresh its crunch and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, which works beautifully with the shawarma spice blend in this sandwich.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Sure! You could swap the chicken for roasted spiced cauliflower or chickpeas and still enjoy the incredible shawarma flavor with Havarti and fresh veggies.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the shawarma mix?
While the full blend is ideal, you can use a premade shawarma seasoning or experiment with similar spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to approximate the flavor.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your bread with gluten-free rolls or wraps. The chicken and all other elements are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this sandwich?
This recipe leans more toward warm, aromatic spices rather than heat. Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a bit of kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a sandwich that combines the smoky warmth of shawarma spices with the gooey delight of Havarti cheese and crisp fresh veggies. The Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich Recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to prepare, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your meal rotation!
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Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich recipe combines tender, spice-marinated roasted chicken with creamy Havarti cheese and fresh vegetables, all layered in a crusty sandwich roll. The chicken is flavored with a fragrant shawarma spice blend and oven-roasted to juicy perfection, then served with crisp greens, cucumber, tomato, and optional onion, finished with a tangy tzatziki or garlic sauce for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
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
Sandwich Assembly
- 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) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare the shawarma spice blend: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the prepared shawarma spice mix. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse; for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Roast the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the chicken: Once rested, slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tender, bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the sandwich: Toast the sandwich rolls or baguette lightly if desired. Layer each roll with a slice of Havarti cheese followed by a handful of fresh greens, thin cucumber slices, tomato slices, and optional red onion slices.
- Add the chicken and sauce: Place a generous portion of the sliced chicken shawarma on top of the veggies, then drizzle with tzatziki sauce or garlic sauce to add creaminess and tang.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the fusion of aromatic spices and creamy cheese in this satisfying sandwich.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the shawarma flavor but 15 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- Use your favorite sandwich bread like pita or ciabatta if preferred.
- Additional toppings such as pickled vegetables or fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavor.
- For a lighter option, omit the cheese or use a lower-fat cheese alternative.
