Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Burgers with Sumac Onions & Tahini Yogurt

These shawarma-spiced chicken burgers are pan-seared for a crisp, golden crust and loaded with warm spice. A drizzle of tangy tahini yogurt and a mound of bright sumac onions add contrast, while the buns-crispy from the pan drippings-seal the deal.

Why You'll Love Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Burgers with Sumac Onions & Tahini Yogurt

These aren't your average chicken burgers. They're juicy, spice-packed, and stacked with flavor thanks to sumac-laced onions and a creamy tahini yogurt sauce. Plus, the buns are toasted in all the pan juices-because we don't waste flavor around here.

Tips and Tricks

• Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape and sear better.
• Use ice water in the tahini sauce to get that light, creamy drizzle texture.
• Don't rush the pan sear-a deep golden crust adds major flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add Aleppo pepper or harissa to the chicken mix or tahini sauce.
• Wrap Style: Skip the bun and serve everything in warm pita with lettuce.
• Grill Option: Cook the burgers on a grill pan or outdoor grill for smoky char.

Substitutions

• Greek yogurt: Swap for labneh or sour cream in the sauce.
• Sumac: If unavailable, use a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika.
• Ground chicken: Try ground turkey or lamb if preferred.

Best served with

• Grilled zucchini or eggplant
• Crispy chickpeas
• Cucumber salad with mint and dill
• Sweet potato wedges or fries

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven. Tahini yogurt and sumac onions can be stored separately and assembled fresh.

Common Questions

Shawarma-Spiced Chicken Burgers with Sumac Onions & Tahini Yogurt

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These shawarma-spiced chicken burgers are pan-seared for a crisp, golden crust and loaded with warm spice. A drizzle of tangy tahini yogurt and a mound of bright sumac onions add contrast, while the buns-crispy from the pan drippings-seal the deal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 1393

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ large white onion thinly sliced
• 1½ teaspoon sumac
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic grated
• Kosher salt to taste
• 1 -2 tablespoon ice water
• 2 burger buns
• Fresh herbs parsley or mint, optional

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed sauté pan)
• Spoon or whisk
• Cutting board
• Chefs knife
• Microplane or grater
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

Make the Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix just until combined. Form into 2 large patties and chill for 15-30 minutes to firm up.

Make the Sumac Onions

1. In a small bowl, combine sliced onion with sumac, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Toss and lightly massage to soften. Let sit at room temperature while you cook the patties.

Make the Tahini Yogurt Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
2. Gradually whisk in ice water until the sauce is smooth and drizzleable. Season to taste with salt.

Cook the Chicken Burgers

1. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chilled patties and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F.
3. Transfer to a plate and let rest.

Toast the Buns

1. Place burger buns cut-side down in the same skillet with remaining pan drippings.
2. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 1393kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 101gFat: 86gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 44gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 393mgSodium: 5972mgPotassium: 2890mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1042IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 328mgIron: 11mg

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