1. Prepare the Shawarma Chicken Marinade

To start, make the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together to create a fragrant spice paste.

Next, cut the chicken thighs into strips or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the spice paste, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Once the oven is preheated and the chicken has marinated, place the chicken pieces on the sheet pan, spreading them out in an even layer.

3. Cook the Chicken Shawarma

Roast the marinated chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and tender, with a slight crisp around the edges.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your vegetables and bread. Slice the red onion, cucumber, and tomato, and set aside.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips or keep the pieces whole, depending on your sandwich preference.

Next, drizzle the sandwich rolls or pita with a bit of olive oil and place them on a separate sheet pan or in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up and lightly toast the edges. This step adds extra flavor and crispiness to the bread.

On the bottom half of each roll or pita, layer the cooked chicken, then top with a slice of Havarti cheese. Place the rolls back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

5. Add Vegetables and Sauce

Once the cheese has melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Add the sliced red onion, cucumber, and tomato to each sandwich. If you’re using any optional toppings, such as tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or pickled vegetables, now is the time to add them.

Season the sandwiches with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Havarti Sandwiches hot, with your favorite sides, such as fries, salad, or roasted vegetables. These sandwiches are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner that’s packed with flavor and texture.