The Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is a bold, savory sandwich that brings together spiced, juicy chicken roasted on a sheet pan, melted Havarti cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, and fresh greens, all tucked into warm naan or flatbread. Baked to perfection, this sandwich is loaded with flavor and texture, perfect for dinner or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All cooked on one sheet pan for easy prep and cleanup
- Combines Middle Eastern spices with creamy, melty Havarti cheese
- Uses simple ingredients for maximum flavor
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
- Perfect for both family meals and meal prep
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Garlic, chopped
- Shallots, chopped
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Turmeric
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Naan or flatbread
- Havarti cheese, sliced
- Gouda cheese, sliced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Dill pickles or pepperoncini, sliced
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Fresh sprouts or microgreens
- Caesar dressing, mayo, or garlic tahini
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, turmeric, chili flakes, and salt. Toss in sliced chicken to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread chicken on a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked. Broil for 2 minutes for crispy edges if desired.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On a clean sheet pan, lay out naan breads. Spread each with dressing or tahini. Layer on sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, Havarti, Gouda, and roasted chicken.
- Bake: Cover with foil and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Finish and Serve: Top each sandwich with sprouts and pickled onions. Fold over the naan, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake uncovered for 5 more minutes. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Use tofu or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian option
- Swap out Havarti for mozzarella, provolone, or feta
- Add hot sauce or harissa for more heat
- Serve in pita pockets instead of flatbread
- Skip cheese for a dairy-free version
Storage/Reheating
- Store assembled sandwiches in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes
- For best results, reheat uncovered for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the bread
- Not ideal for freezing due to fresh toppings and cheese
FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work well too if sliced thinly.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with mozzarella, provolone, or a sharp white cheddar.
Is naan the best bread option?
Naan or flatbread is ideal for folding and baking, but pita or ciabatta also work.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has mild to medium heat. You can adjust chili flakes or add a spicy sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and roast the chicken ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
What sauces go well with this sandwich?
Garlic tahini, Caesar dressing, or a lemon herb yogurt sauce work beautifully.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but roasting it fresh with the marinade adds more flavor and texture.
Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and assemble later.
What pairs well as a side dish?
Serve with a cucumber salad, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free sauce like tahini or vegan mayo.
Conclusion
The Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich is a fusion of comforting textures and bold flavors. With marinated, oven-roasted chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings all wrapped in soft naan, it’s an easy yet impressive meal that delivers Middle Eastern-inspired goodness with every bite. Whether for a casual dinner or crowd-pleasing lunch, this recipe is a must-try.
Print
Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sheet Pan
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
A fusion-style sandwich featuring spiced sheet pan chicken shawarma layered with creamy Havarti cheese, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce, all served on warm sandwich rolls.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices Havarti cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup garlic or tahini sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and onion, toss to coat.
- Spread chicken mixture on the sheet pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
- Toast sandwich rolls in the oven for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Assemble sandwiches: layer lettuce, tomato, cucumber, roasted chicken and onions, Havarti cheese, and sauce in each roll.
- Serve warm, optionally wrapped for easy grab-and-go meals.
Notes
- Substitute Havarti with mozzarella or provolone if needed.
- Add pickles or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Chicken can be marinated ahead for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg