Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich

Introduction

The Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is a flavorful and convenient twist on a classic Middle Eastern favorite. By roasting spiced chicken on a sheet pan, this recipe captures the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional shawarma in an easy-to-make format. Paired with creamy, melty Havarti cheese and fresh toppings, this hearty sandwich offers a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and creamy elements in every bite.

The sheet pan preparation not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures the chicken is perfectly tender and evenly cooked. Adding Havarti cheese brings a touch of indulgence, its mild creaminess balancing the bold spices of the shawarma. Packed into warm, toasted bread along with crisp vegetables and your favorite sauces, this sandwich becomes a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this sandwich is as versatile as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, The Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Perfect for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Meal prep lunches
Middle Eastern-inspired meals
Sandwich lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love the Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich:

Bold Flavors: The shawarma spices give the chicken a robust, mouthwatering taste.
Creamy Havarti: Adds a gooey, cheesy richness that pairs perfectly with the spiced chicken.
Easy to Make: Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, minimizing cleanup.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and bread to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, calcium, fiber, vitamin C

Ingredients

For the Chicken Shawarma:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich Assembly:

4 sandwich rolls or pita bread
4 slices Havarti cheese
1 cup mixed greens
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños or banana peppers (optional)
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce or garlic aioli

Ingredient Highlights

Shawarma Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon brings warm, savory flavors to the chicken.
Havarti Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture that elevates the sandwich.
Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing, tangy addition that complements the bold spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Shawarma:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Season the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly.
Roast the Chicken:
Spread the seasoned chicken evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Toast the Rolls:
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, slice the sandwich rolls or pita bread and toast them lightly in the oven or on a skillet.
Melt the Havarti:
Place a slice of Havarti cheese on top of the hot chicken and let it melt slightly.
Add Toppings:
Spread tzatziki sauce or garlic aioli on each side of the toasted roll. Layer the mixed greens, cucumbers, red onion, pickled jalapeños (if using), and the cheesy chicken onto the bread.
Close and Serve:
Close the sandwich, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

This Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is best served hot and melty. Pair it with:

A side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables
A light cucumber and tomato salad
A refreshing drink like iced mint tea or lemonade

Additional Tips

Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken with shawarma spices, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil overnight. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
Preheat Your Sheet Pan: Place the sheet pan in the oven while it preheats. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when it hits the pan, resulting in a crispier exterior.
Use Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs rather than breasts. They are more flavorful and stay juicy during roasting.
Add Vegetables to the Sheet Pan: Roast sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal. They’ll soak up the shawarma spices and add extra texture to the sandwich.
Crisp the Flatbread: Before assembling, warm and lightly toast your flatbread, pita, or sandwich roll in a dry skillet or directly on the oven rack. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Layer with Fresh Ingredients: Balance the rich shawarma flavors with fresh toppings like sliced cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. These add crunch and freshness to the sandwich.
Make a Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of cumin to drizzle over the sandwich. This adds creaminess and complements the spices.
Melt Havarti Cheese Perfectly: For gooey Havarti, place slices on the warm chicken just before assembling. You can also broil the assembled sandwich briefly to melt the cheese evenly.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade or serving with a spicy harissa or sriracha sauce.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Elevate the meal by offering a dipping sauce, like tahini, tzatziki, or a lemony garlic aioli, to pair with the sandwich.

Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Enhance the sandwich by adding roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a burst of flavor and texture. Use hummus or baba ganoush as a spread to complement the shawarma spices.
Spicy Shawarma: Turn up the heat by marinating the chicken with extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or harissa paste. For an added kick, include sliced jalapeños or drizzle some spicy sriracha mayo.
Greek-Inspired Twist: Incorporate Greek flavors by swapping in crumbled feta alongside Havarti cheese. Add sliced cucumbers, kalamata olives, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing, tangy touch.
Crispy Pita Pocket: Replace traditional sandwich bread with warm, toasted pita pockets. The pita adds a unique texture and perfectly holds the chicken and toppings.
Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves such as romaine or butter lettuce in place of bread. A tahini or yogurt-based dressing can add creaminess without the carbs.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sandwich: Elevate your sandwich with garlic butter spread on the bread before toasting. Combine Havarti with mozzarella or provolone for a gooey, cheesy upgrade.
Sweet and Savory: Add a layer of caramelized onions for richness and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can add a surprising burst of fruity flavor.
Avocado Shawarma Toast: Replace traditional condiments with mashed avocado spread over the bread. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for a trendy and flavorful touch.
Herb & Citrus Explosion: Brighten up the flavors with a lemon-herb mayo or aioli as the spread. Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to amplify the freshness of the sandwich.
Breakfast-Style Shawarma: Turn the sandwich into a hearty breakfast by adding a fried or scrambled egg. Crispy bacon or turkey bacon can make it even more indulgent.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before using.

Special Equipment

Sheet Pan: For roasting the chicken.
Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and veggies.
Small Bowls: For mixing the shawarma seasoning and assembling the toppings.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.
What’s a good substitute for Havarti cheese?
You can use mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone cheese as a substitute.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Havarti cheese and use a dairy-free tzatziki or garlic aioli.
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the spices.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is the perfect fusion of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors and creamy, melty comfort. This recipe takes the bold, spiced goodness of chicken shawarma and pairs it with the mild, buttery flavor of Havarti cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly toasted sandwich. The best part? It’s made on a sheet pan for ultimate ease and minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

The tender, flavorful chicken is seasoned with a medley of warm spices and roasted to perfection on a sheet pan alongside your choice of veggies for added texture and flavor. Layered with Havarti cheese and fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy yogurt or garlic sauce, this sandwich delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Whether served with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even some pickled veggies for extra zing, the Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is sure to impress. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and a creative twist on a classic favorite that will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation!