Easy & Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Sliders: Your Go-To Recipe with Sabra Spreads
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these incredible Chicken Shawarma Sliders! Bursting with bold, aromatic flavors and incredibly easy to make, these mini sandwiches are designed to impress. Whether you’re preparing them for a lively party, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a delightful lunch, these sliders promise a taste sensation that will have your palate dancing with joy. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of tender, spice-infused chicken and creamy, zesty Sabra Spreads, making them utterly irresistible.
Life can throw a lot at you, and among the myriad of stressful experiences, moving certainly ranks high on the list. Currently, I find myself knee-deep in the preparations for yet another move, and my mind feels like it’s on the verge of implosion. It’s not quite an explosion, more like everything is caving in, threatening to turn my brain into a complete mush by the time this entire ordeal is over. While this particular move is significantly less strenuous than the one last year (thankfully, a lot of my belongings are already in storage), it’s genuinely astonishing how much stuff one can accumulate in just a single year. The sheer volume of items can be truly overwhelming, making the packing process feel endless.
And by astonishing, I mean utterly astounding. The amount of forgotten treasures, or perhaps just plain clutter, that resurfaces during a move is always a wild revelation.
Naturally, this high-stress period has led me straight into my “eat my feelings and stress away” mode. However, I can proudly declare that I’ve moved past the days of mindlessly devouring unhealthy junk food. These days, my stress-eating habits have evolved; I now indulge in deliciously sophisticated fare, thank you very much. It’s about finding comfort in food that genuinely tastes good and makes me feel good, even amidst the chaos of boxes and checklists. This shift isn’t just about healthier choices; it’s about choosing quality and flavor over convenience, turning a stressful situation into an excuse for culinary exploration.
And yes, I absolutely consider these Chicken Shawarma Sliders a prime example of sophisticated comfort food. There’s a distinct elegance in their bold flavor profile, achieved through a meticulously crafted spice rub. This robust flavor contributes 50% to their “classy” status. The other 50% is undoubtedly due to the innovative and incredibly delicious Sabra Spreads, which I generously apply to finish off these delightful mini sandwiches. These spreads aren’t just an addition; they’re a key component, elevating the entire dish to a new level of gourmet appeal and making them a truly unforgettable experience.
You read that correctly – SABRA SPREADS. Imagine hummus, but in a convenient, squeezable bottle, ready to transform any sandwich or wrap. This isn’t just a simple condiment; it’s a culinary revelation that’s set to replace your traditional mayonnaise. From this moment forward, these innovative Sabra spreads are the only condiment you’ll need to truly amp up the flavor and excitement of your sandwiches, wraps, and, of course, these fantastic sliders. They offer a freshness and depth of flavor that mayonnaise simply can’t match, pushing the boundaries of what a “spread” can be.
Initially, I admit, I harbored a slight skepticism about the whole “squeezable hummus” concept. It felt a bit unconventional. However, my doubts vanished the moment I actually tried them. Truly, holy crap, talk about an explosion of flavor in your mouth! Sabra Spreads come in an exciting range of three flavors: the delightful Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, which I used for these incredible shawarma sliders, along with Honey Mustard and Garlic Herb. Each flavor is expertly crafted and perfectly suited for enhancing sandwiches and so much more. The taste is consistently spot-on, the ingredients are always fresh, and the bold, vibrant flavors are truly out of this world. (Am I dating myself by using that phrase? Perhaps, but it accurately describes the experience!) They bring a level of convenience and deliciousness that makes them a staple in my kitchen now.
Furthermore, Sabra Spreads offer a much healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise. This is incredibly convenient for me, especially considering my soon-to-be roommate’s strong aversion to mayo. It’s a win-win situation: a healthier choice that everyone can enjoy, without compromising on taste. They provide a creamy texture and a burst of flavor, all while being a more wholesome option, which is exactly what I look for in my everyday condiments. Their versatility means they’re not just for sliders, but perfect for wraps, dipping, and adding a flavorful touch to almost any meal. Prepare yourself, because your culinary world is about to be wonderfully rocked by these spreads…
Crafting the Perfect Chicken Shawarma: Flavor from Scratch
The secret to truly outstanding Chicken Shawarma Sliders lies in the depth of flavor embedded in the chicken itself. Our recipe starts with a robust spice blend that transports your taste buds straight to the Middle East. We combine warm ground cumin, earthy turmeric, fragrant ground coriander, pungent garlic powder, vibrant paprika, a touch of spicy cayenne, and a hint of exotic ground cloves. This harmonious mix creates the signature shawarma profile – complex, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. When you pat this dry spice mixture onto boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you’re not just seasoning; you’re infusing every fiber with incredible flavor, preparing them for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Next comes the crucial marination process. After generously coating the chicken thighs with our special spice rub, they are bathed in a bright mixture of fresh lemon juice and rich olive oil, along with thinly sliced red onion. The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken while adding a crucial tangy counterpoint to the spices. Olive oil helps to carry the fat-soluble flavors of the spices into the meat and keeps it moist during cooking. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least three hours, or even better, overnight, is non-negotiable. This extended period ensures that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that defines authentic shawarma. This step is where patience truly pays off, yielding a depth of taste that simply cannot be rushed.
Cooking and Assembling Your Irresistible Sliders
Once your chicken has marinated to perfection, the cooking process is straightforward and yields fantastic results. We opt for oven baking at a relatively high temperature (425 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly and develops a lovely golden crust without drying out. After about 30 minutes in the oven, a quick session under the broiler on low heat adds that desirable crispy texture to the edges of the chicken pieces, mimicking the traditional rotisserie method of cooking shawarma. It’s important to keep a close eye on the chicken during this broiling phase, as it can go from perfectly crispy to overly browned very quickly. The goal is a beautifully caramelized exterior with a succulent interior, maximizing both taste and texture.
Now for the best part: assembling these sensational sliders! The foundation of each slider begins with soft slider buns, generously spread with your chosen Sabra Spreads on both the top and bottom halves. For this recipe, the Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper spread is a star, offering a creamy, savory, and slightly peppery base that complements the shawarma chicken beautifully. Next, pile on the tender, crispy-edged chicken pieces. Layer on a few thin slices of the remaining fresh red onion for a crisp, piquant bite, and add a leaf of vibrant butter lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun. The combination of warm, spiced chicken, cool, crisp vegetables, and the smooth, flavorful Sabra Spread creates a symphony of textures and tastes in every delightful mini sandwich. These sliders are designed to be served immediately, ensuring optimal warmth and freshness for an unparalleled eating experience.
Why These Chicken Shawarma Sliders Will Be Your New Favorite
These Chicken Shawarma Sliders aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience. They are the epitome of bold flavors meeting convenient preparation, making them ideal for a multitude of occasions. Imagine serving these at your next party; they’re perfectly portioned appetizers that are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. For game day, they offer a gourmet twist on traditional finger foods that will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Beyond entertaining, they also make for an incredible, flavorful lunch option that breaks the monotony of everyday sandwiches. The preparation, though it involves marination, is largely hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax. Plus, the health-conscious aspect of using Sabra Spreads over mayonnaise is a huge bonus, ensuring that you’re indulging in something that tastes fantastic and is better for you.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its versatility. While we recommend butter lettuce and red onion, feel free to get creative with other toppings like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and zest. You could also experiment with different Sabra Spread flavors to customize the taste even further – perhaps the Garlic Herb for an extra aromatic kick, or the Honey Mustard for a touch of sweet tanginess. Whatever your preference, these Chicken Shawarma Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re a celebration of vibrant spices, tender chicken, and the delightful creaminess of Sabra spreads, all packaged in an adorable, easy-to-eat format. Don’t just make a meal; create a memorable culinary moment!
Keep up with all the other delicious ways to use Sabra Spreads by following #SabraSpreads on Twitter and Instagram! Discover endless possibilities and get inspired by other food enthusiasts.
Disclosure: I received free product from Sabra and was compensated for my time as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Chicken Shawarma Sliders with Sabra Spreads
ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 Tbsp ground coriander
- 1/2 Tbsp ground garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp ground paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced (divided)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 8 slider buns
- Sabra Spreads Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper or other preferred flavor
- Butter lettuce
instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground garlic powder, ground paprika, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper to create your aromatic shawarma spice blend. Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then generously coat each thigh with this spice mixture, ensuring all surfaces are well-covered. Transfer the seasoned chicken thighs to a large bowl.
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To the bowl with the seasoned chicken, add the fresh lemon juice, half of the thinly sliced red onion, and the olive oil. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure the chicken is completely coated in the marinade. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours, or for best results and deeper flavor, leave it overnight.
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When you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
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Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drain off. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. For a crispy finish, move the baking sheet to the top rack of your oven and broil on low for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning; you want a lovely caramelized crisp, not char.
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To assemble your delicious sliders: Take each slider bun and generously spread Sabra Spreads (Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper or your preferred flavor) onto both the top and bottom halves. Place the cooked chicken pieces onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with the remaining fresh red onion slices and a leaf of crisp butter lettuce. Finally, cap each slider with the other half of the bun. Serve these Chicken Shawarma Sliders immediately for the best taste and experience. Enjoy!
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