Who doesn’t love the mouthwatering taste of a Chicken Doner Kebab? The juicy, tender chicken, seasoned to perfection with aromatic spices, then wrapped in a soft flatbread or pita—it’s like a taste of street food heaven. And the best part? You don’t have to head to your favorite kebab shop to enjoy it. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate that delicious doner experience right at home. Trust me, once you’ve made this chicken doner kebab, you’ll be hooked. It’s a flavorful, satisfying, and fun meal for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Doner Kebab
Full of Flavor
The chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of spices, herbs, and yogurt, which makes it tender and bursting with flavor. Each bite is a mix of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy goodness. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
Quick and Easy
No need for a rotisserie or special equipment—this recipe is quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a weeknight winner!
Customizable
You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also switch up the toppings and sauces depending on what you like best!
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a get-together, or meal prepping for the week, this chicken doner kebab is guaranteed to please. Serve it in wraps, over rice, or in a salad—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when cooked. Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for marinating and grilling or pan-frying.
Greek Yogurt
The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
Olive Oil
A little olive oil adds richness to the marinade and helps the chicken cook to perfection, while also keeping it moist.
Garlic
Garlic gives the chicken a savory, aromatic kick that infuses every bite with flavor.
Lemon Juice
A touch of lemon juice brightens up the marinade and adds a refreshing citrus note that balances the spices.
Ground Cumin, Paprika, and Coriander
These spices are essential for that classic doner kebab flavor. Cumin brings earthiness, paprika adds a touch of smoky heat, and coriander gives it a slight citrusy warmth.
Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm, subtle sweetness to the mix—perfect for giving the chicken a more complex flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper
A little salt and pepper to taste enhances the overall seasoning and ensures the chicken is perfectly balanced.
Flatbreads or Pita Bread
The base for your doner kebab! Choose your favorite flatbread or pita to wrap the seasoned chicken and toppings.
Fresh Vegetables (Optional)
Top your kebab with fresh, crunchy veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for extra texture and flavor.
Sauce (Optional)
A drizzle of your favorite sauce takes this chicken doner kebab to the next level. Consider a garlic sauce, tahini, or a yogurt-based dressing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs (shake off any excess marinade) and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Wraps
Warm your flatbreads or pita bread on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1 minute on each side until they’re soft and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble the Doner Kebab
Place a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center of the bread. Top with your favorite fresh vegetables and drizzle with your sauce of choice.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Wrap up your chicken doner kebab, folding in the sides, and enjoy right away. If you want to make it even more filling, serve it alongside some fries or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Chicken Doner Kebab
With French Fries
The classic pairing! Crispy fries go perfectly with the flavorful chicken doner kebab. You can even dip them in your sauce for extra flavor.
Over Rice
For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Add some sautéed vegetables on top for a complete dish.
With a Side Salad
A light, fresh salad with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing is a perfect way to balance out the richness of the chicken doner.
As Part of a Mezze Platter
Make a fun, shareable meal by serving the chicken doner kebabs as part of a mezze platter, along with hummus, baba ghanoush, and a variety of dips.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you like a kick of heat, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade or as a topping.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a batch of chicken, slice it, and store it in the fridge for quick, easy meals throughout the week.
- Grill It: If you have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken kebabs on skewers for that smoky, grilled flavor. Just be sure to soak the skewers if using wooden ones!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts will work too. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep them tender.
Q2: Can I make the chicken doner kebabs ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it later. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I make this recipe on the grill?
A3: Absolutely! If you have a grill, you can cook the chicken directly on the grates for an even smokier flavor. Just be sure to cook it through and get a nice char.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a little olive oil.
Q5: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A5: Yes, you can! Simply freeze the marinated chicken in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Doner Kebab recipe brings all the flavor, juiciness, and spice of your favorite street food straight to your kitchen. It’s easy, customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re having it in a wrap, over rice, or in a salad, it’s a meal everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, fire up that pan (or grill), and enjoy your homemade doner kebab. It’s time to take your taste buds on a trip!
Print
Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe delivers tender, flavorful marinated chicken served with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce. It’s a delicious and easy way to make the classic Turkish dish at home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for leaner meat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)
For the Doner Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Kebab Assembly:
- 4 pita bread, flatbreads, or wraps
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Pickled vegetables or olives (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. If using yogurt, add it to the mixture for extra tenderness.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Doner Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the outside is nicely charred and crispy.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Assemble the Doner Kebab:
- Warm the pita or flatbread wraps in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Layer each wrap with a generous portion of the cooked chicken strips, followed by cucumber, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings (e.g., fresh parsley, pickled vegetables).
- Drizzle the doner sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken doner kebabs hot with extra sauce on the side. You can also serve them with a side of fries or a light salad.
Notes
- Chicken Options: You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs are recommended for a juicier, more flavorful kebab.
- Cooking Method: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet or in the oven.
- Sauce Variation: For a spicier sauce, add a bit of sriracha or hot sauce to the yogurt mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab (1 wrap with chicken and toppings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg