Irresistible Grilled Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches with Creamy Tzatziki & Tangy Feta
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with these incredibly flavorful chicken shawarma sandwiches. Bursting with Middle Eastern spices, succulent grilled chicken, a refreshing cucumber-mint tzatziki sauce, and savory feta cheese, these sandwiches are a vibrant alternative to your usual summer fare. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, promising a memorable meal that’s both exotic and comforting.
This post is proudly sponsored by Sara Lee® Bread, bringing you the perfect foundation for these epic sandwiches.
Elevate Your Barbecue: A Fresh Take on Chicken Sandwiches
If you’re finding yourself a little “burgered-out” this summer, it’s time to introduce something truly special to your grill menu. These unique chicken shawarma sandwiches are poised to become the star of your next backyard barbecue or any gathering. The secret lies in the deeply flavorful chicken, which is lovingly marinated in a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices. Imagine the earthy warmth of cumin, the vibrant hue and mild spice of paprika, the golden glow and subtle earthiness of turmeric, and a hint of sweet aromatic cinnamon – all working together to infuse the chicken with an unmistakable aroma and taste.
Once perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, the chicken is nestled between soft yet sturdy buns, layered with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous dollop of cool, refreshing cucumber-mint yogurt sauce. And for the ultimate sandwich experience, we’re using Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bakery Buns – their artisan quality and ideal texture provide the perfect complement to these vibrant fillings.
Forget bland and boring; these sandwiches deliver an explosion of fabulous flavor that will surprise and delight everyone. They might not be what your friends and family expect at your typical cookout, but that’s precisely their charm! They are fresh, creative, and remarkably easy to prepare, proving that gourmet flavors can be accessible for home cooks. So, fire up that grill – summer, and delicious grilling, is far from over!
The Heart of the Flavor: Mastering the Shawarma Chicken Marinade
The distinctive “shawarma” flavor is the cornerstone of these sandwiches, derived from a meticulously crafted blend of spices and fresh aromatics. This marinade transforms simple boneless, skinless chicken breasts into tender, aromatic, and deeply flavorful pieces reminiscent of the slow-cooked, spit-roasted meats found in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. While we might not have a vertical rotisserie at home, the right marinade ensures we capture that authentic essence.
Key Spices and Their Roles:
- Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy, and slightly pungent base that is fundamental to Middle Eastern flavors.
- Paprika (Smoked or Sweet): Adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, often smoky, sweetness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Turmeric: Contributes a vibrant golden color and a subtle, earthy bitterness, along with numerous health benefits.
- Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon offers an unexpected warmth and sweet undertone, balancing the savory spices and adding complexity.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy a little kick, cayenne provides a gentle heat that awakens the palate without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust to your preference!
- Lemon Juice: Acts as a natural tenderizer and brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken and spices.
- Garlic & Olive Oil: Essential aromatics that infuse the chicken with robust flavor and help carry the fat-soluble spices.
The beauty of this marinade is its simplicity, yet its power to impart incredible taste. Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 24 hours), allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy chicken once cooked. This crucial step is where the magic truly happens, setting the stage for an unforgettable sandwich experience.
Crafting the Cool & Creamy Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce
No shawarma-inspired sandwich would be complete without a refreshing, cool, and creamy counterpoint to the richly spiced chicken. Our homemade tzatziki yogurt sauce perfectly fulfills this role. It’s a bright, tangy, and herbaceous sauce that beautifully complements the bold flavors of the chicken, adding moisture and a delightful freshness to every bite.
The Essentials of Perfect Tzatziki:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: The foundation of tzatziki, providing a thick, creamy, and tangy base. Full-fat Greek yogurt will yield the richest and most satisfying texture.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the tanginess of the yogurt and brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Minced Garlic: Delivers a pungent aromatic punch that is classic in tzatziki.
- Finely Chopped Cucumber: Adds a crisp texture and a wonderfully cooling sensation. For best results, gently squeeze out excess water from the chopped cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Fresh Mint: The star herb in this tzatziki variation, offering a vibrant, peppery, and incredibly refreshing note that distinguishes it from more dill-forward versions.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
This tzatziki sauce is incredibly simple to whip up. Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and then let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious sauce. While I prefer a chunkier sauce that highlights the fresh cucumber and mint, you can easily achieve a smoother consistency by pulsing it briefly in a food processor or blender.
Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken shawarma sandwiches are nothing short of spectacular, here are some comprehensive tips:
- The “Shawarma” Flavor Profile: As mentioned, the essence of “shawarma” in this sandwich comes from the harmonious blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, lemon, and garlic. These spices create a complex, warm, and slightly piquant flavor similar to traditional Middle Eastern spit-roasted meats. Don’t skimp on the marinade time – it’s key to maximum flavor.
- Strategic Prep Work: These sandwiches are straightforward to assemble, but the real magic happens during the prep. Marinate your chicken and prepare the tzatziki yogurt sauce a day ahead or the morning of your cookout. This foresight will make grilling and serving an absolute breeze, allowing you to enjoy your guests (or your quiet meal) without last-minute stress.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: Whether it’s peak grilling season or a cozy winter evening, you can savor these sandwiches anytime. We’ve provided instructions for cooking the chicken perfectly on either a hot grill for that smoky char or a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) on your stovetop. This versatility means delicious shawarma is always an option.
- Tzatziki Texture: Personal preference dictates the ideal tzatziki consistency. If you prefer a sauce with noticeable chunks of cucumber and mint, simply chop them finely and mix. For those who enjoy a super smooth, creamy sauce, a quick pulse in a food processor or blender will do the trick. Remember to drain any excess liquid from the cucumber beforehand.
- The Unsung Hero: The Bun: Never underestimate the importance of a good bun! A mediocre bun can detract significantly from an otherwise fantastic sandwich. Look for soft, yet sturdy, high-quality artisan buns that can hold up to the juicy chicken and sauces without falling apart. The new Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bakery Buns are absolutely perfect for this – their rich, brioche-like texture and structural integrity make them an ideal choice.
- Toasted Buns for Extra Flavor: This is an optional but highly recommended step. Brushing the cut sides of your buns lightly with olive oil and briefly toasting them on the grill or in a skillet until they are lightly browned adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a slight textural contrast. It also helps create a barrier, preventing the buns from getting soggy.
- Scaling the Recipe: Planning a bigger feast? This recipe is incredibly adaptable and scales up with ease. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally to accommodate a larger crowd.
- Serving Immediately: For the freshest taste and best texture, assemble and serve these sandwiches immediately after the chicken is cooked. If you need to keep the chicken warm for a short period (up to an hour), wrap it loosely in foil and place it in a 200°F (95°C) oven to prevent it from drying out.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: Layers of Flavor
With your perfectly marinated and cooked chicken, vibrant tzatziki, and fresh toppings ready, it’s time to bring these incredible sandwiches to life. Each layer contributes to the overall experience, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Start with your toasted Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bakery Buns – their golden-brown interior and soft structure are the ideal foundation. Spread a generous amount of the cool tzatziki sauce on both halves of the bun. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides a creamy base for the other ingredients. Next, place a few crisp pieces of romaine lettuce, followed by a slice or two of juicy, ripe tomato. These fresh vegetables add essential crunch and natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Then comes the star: the grilled chicken shawarma. Pile it high, allowing its aromatic spices to tantalize your senses. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese over the chicken. The tangy, salty feta cheese is a perfect textural and flavor counterpoint, adding a Mediterranean flourish that truly elevates the sandwich. For an extra touch of elegance and fresh aroma, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint. Serve these beauties immediately and watch them disappear!
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich with Tzatziki Sauce and Feta
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Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- ⅓ cup finely chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sandwiches:
- 4 Soft buns
- Olive oil , for brushing
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomatoes , sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mint , for garnish
Instructions
To marinate chicken:
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Cut each chicken breast in half crosswise to create four smaller cutlets. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a kitchen mallet or the bottom of a heavy glass to pound them to about 1 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps tenderize the meat.
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In a large ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and use your hands to gently massage the marinade thoroughly all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
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Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for up to 24 hours. The longer the marination, the more flavorful and tender your chicken will be.
To make the tzatziki sauce:
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In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, finely chopped cucumber, chopped fresh mint, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to become more refreshing. The tzatziki can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
To make sandwiches:
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For grilling: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. For stovetop: Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works exceptionally well) over medium-high heat on your stove. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if not already greased.
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Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill or into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned, cooked through, and no longer pink in the center. To ensure doneness, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole.
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If desired, lightly brush the cut sides of your Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bakery Buns with olive oil. Place them face down on the grill or in the skillet and toast until lightly browned and warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. This adds fantastic flavor and texture to your sandwich.
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Assemble your chicken shawarma sandwiches: spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Layer with crisp romaine lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Place the cooked chicken on top, then sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best fresh flavor and texture.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sara Lee® Bread. I am grateful for partnerships with brands I genuinely love and believe in, as they make sharing delicious recipes and content on Completely Delicious possible. All opinions and culinary excitement shared here are always 100% my own. Enjoy these incredible chicken shawarma sandwiches!