The fusion of warm shawarma-spiced chicken, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy yogurt sauce creates a sandwich that is both bold in flavor and incredibly satisfying. Served on crispy sourdough, this dish delivers the perfect balance of textures—melty, crunchy, and juicy all in one bite.
A gourmet twist on a classic sandwich, this recipe is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent lunch, this Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with a simple salad or crispy fries for a complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ cup arugula
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sliced chicken in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and honey. Set aside.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer Havarti cheese, cooked chicken, arugula, and pickled red onions. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce, then top with another slice of cheese and the second piece of bread, buttered side out.
- Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat and grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
History & Inspiration
Shawarma, a Middle Eastern dish traditionally made with thinly sliced, marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, has been enjoyed for centuries. The spices used in shawarma—cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic, and cinnamon—bring deep warmth and complexity to the dish. While shawarma is typically served in pita or flatbread, this recipe takes a creative twist by transforming it into a grilled sandwich with creamy Havarti cheese.
Havarti, a semi-soft Danish cheese, melts beautifully and balances the bold shawarma spices with its mild, buttery flavor. Pairing it with crispy sourdough bread and a refreshing yogurt sauce creates an unforgettable combination of textures and tastes.
Cooking Tips & Substitutions
- Bread Choice: Sourdough is recommended for its slight tanginess and crispy texture when grilled, but you can also use ciabatta, whole wheat, or even a brioche bun for a softer bite.
- Cheese Alternative: If you don’t have Havarti, try mozzarella for a mild melt, feta for a tangy touch, or provolone for a stronger, smoky flavor.
- Spice Level: The cayenne pepper in the shawarma spice mix adds heat, so adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Marination Time: For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to infuse fully into the meat.
- Yogurt Sauce: Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the warm spices. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs well with:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – A crispy, flavorful side to complement the warm spices of the sandwich.
- Mediterranean Salad – A light, fresh side with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the richness.
- Sweet Potato Wedges – A slightly sweet contrast that works well with the spiced chicken.
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup – A comforting, velvety soup that enhances the flavors of the sandwich.
Key Ingredients & Their Role
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and high in protein, they absorb the shawarma spices beautifully. Thin slices ensure even cooking and a tender bite.
- Shawarma Spice Blend: A mix of cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne creates deep warmth and complexity. The optional cayenne adds heat.
- Havarti Cheese: A creamy, buttery cheese that melts well, balancing the spice and enhancing the sandwich’s richness.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: A cooling blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and honey, which contrasts beautifully with the spiced chicken.
- Sourdough Bread: Its slightly tangy flavor and crisp texture complement the warm, melty filling.
- Pickled Red Onions & Arugula: Provide acidity and freshness to cut through the richness.
How to Make the Best Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken in a spice-infused olive oil mixture. If possible, let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to deepen the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Use a hot skillet or grill pan to achieve a slight char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and honey for a tangy, cooling contrast to the spiced chicken.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer Havarti cheese, cooked shawarma chicken, arugula, and pickled onions on sourdough. Drizzle with yogurt sauce.
- Grill to Perfection: Butter the bread and grill until golden and crispy, ensuring the cheese melts into a gooey, rich filling.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This sandwich pairs perfectly with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired sides:
✔ Garlic & Herb Sweet Potato Fries – Their natural sweetness balances the warm spices of the chicken.
✔ Chopped Greek Salad – Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta provide a refreshing contrast.
✔ Creamy Hummus & Pita Chips – A great dip to enjoy on the side.
✔ Roasted Red Pepper Soup – Complements the smoky flavors of the shawarma spices.
✔ Turmeric Rice or Quinoa – If you want to turn this into a full meal, add a side of golden rice.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate the Chicken in Advance: You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To maintain the sandwich’s crisp texture, reheat it in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving will soften the bread, making it soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Flavor Explosion: The bold spices, creamy cheese, and tangy yogurt create an unforgettable combination.
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for lunch or dinner.
✔ Crispy & Melty: Grilling the sandwich creates the perfect balance of crunchy bread and gooey cheese.
✔ Versatile & Customizable: Swap out Havarti for feta, add roasted peppers, or try a whole wheat wrap instead of sourdough.
✔ Better Than Takeout: A homemade gourmet sandwich that tastes restaurant-quality at a fraction of the price.
FAQs – Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which makes them even juicier. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I substitute for Havarti cheese?
Try mozzarella for a milder taste, feta for tanginess, or gouda for a richer melt.
3. Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce and vegan cheese or tahini spread instead of Havarti.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread or a lettuce wrap for a low-carb version.
5. How can I make this spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper in the shawarma mix or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is a game-changer for sandwich lovers. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, spicy, and tangy, making every bite satisfying. Whether you enjoy it for a quick weeknight meal or an elevated lunch, it’s sure to become a household favorite.