Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (diced)
- 2 tablespoons Shawarma seasoning blend (plus 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 8 slices Thick-cut sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 clove Garlic (finely minced)
- 8 slices Provolone cheese (or Mozzarella)
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the diced chicken thighs with the shawarma seasoning blend and lemon juice. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until fully browned and cooked through (approximately 6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter by combining the softened butter and the minced garlic. Spread a thin, even layer of the garlic butter mixture on one side of all eight slices of bread; this will be the crispy exterior of the grilled cheese.
- Step 3: Assemble the sandwich: Place two slices of bread butter-side down. Layer the unbuttered side of one slice with two slices of cheese, a generous portion of the cooked shawarma chicken, and top with two more slices of cheese. Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top.
- Step 4: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwich(es) onto the hot surface.
- Step 5: Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until the garlic bread exterior is golden brown and crisp, and the interior cheese is completely melted and gooey. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you have leftover cooked chicken, refrigerate it separately in an airtight container for up to three days, as the finished grilled cheese will quickly lose its desirable crispness when stored.
- For the best results when reheating a cold sandwich, use a toaster oven or air fryer set to 350°F for a few minutes until the cheese is gooey again, avoiding the microwave to maintain the crunchy garlic bread exterior.
- Balance the richness of the melted cheese and seasoned chicken by serving the grilled cheese alongside traditional shawarma accompaniments like crisp pickled vegetables or a cool, refreshing dollop of yogurt-tahini sauce.
- Ensure the unsalted butter is truly soft for the garlic spread; this allows you to create a perfect, even layer on the sourdough, guaranteeing edge-to-edge golden browning in the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American