Middle Eastern Shawarma Chicken Burger

Prep Time: 15 min ⏱️ | Cook Time: 15 min 🔥
Total Time: 30 min 🕒 | Servings: 4 🍽️

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Patties:

• Nonstick cooking spray 🥄

• 1 lb ground chicken 🍗

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs 🍞

• 1 tbsp shawarma spice mix 🌶️

• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋

• ¼ tsp salt 🧂

• 4 burger buns 🍔

Tahini Sauce:

• 2 tbsp tahini 🥄

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋

• 1 tbsp water 💧

Toppings:

• ½ cup sliced cucumber 🥒

• ½ cup diced tomatoes 🍅

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 🌿

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📋 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven 🌡️
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly mist a baking sheet with nonstick spray 🥄.

2. Form Patties 🍗
   In a bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, shawarma spice, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 4 even patties 🍔.

3. Bake 🔥
   Place the patties on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Make the Tahini Sauce 🥣
   In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth and creamy.

5. Warm the Buns 🍞
   Place the buns in the oven for the last 2–3 minutes of the cook time to warm and slightly crisp.

6. Assemble the Burgers 🍽️
   Spread tahini sauce on the bottom bun. Add a chicken patty, then top with cucumber slices 🥒, diced tomatoes 🍅, and parsley 🌿. Close with the top bun and serve warm.

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📊 Nutrition (Per Burger)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 26 g

• Fat: 16 g (3 g saturated)

• Carbs: 39 g (3 g fiber)

• Sodium: 650 mg

• Calcium: 100 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

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✨ Tips & Serving Ideas

• Authentic Touch: Add pickled turnips or red onions for a traditional flair 🧅.

• Pairing Suggestion: Serve with fresh tabbouleh or a chilled minty yogurt cucumber salad 🥗.

• Spicy Kick: Drizzle with a touch of harissa or add chili flakes for heat 🌶️.