If you’re craving the vibrant flavors and irresistible aromas of street food right at home, this Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy, tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, paired with a creamy, zesty sauce and wrapped in warm flatbread, delivers an explosion of taste in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual night in or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Middle Eastern doner kebabs to your kitchen with a simple yet unforgettable approach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and creating the perfect combination of texture and color. From the spices that infuse the chicken to the fresh vegetables and creamy sauce, every component is essential and easy to find.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs provide tenderness and richness, though breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to carry the spices and keep the chicken moist during grilling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken for a juicy finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory depth and aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Delivers warm, earthy notes essential for doner seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika: Brings smoky color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a hint of citrusy complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): For a subtle, exotic twist enhancing the spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb flavor perfect for Mediterranean dishes.
- Salt and pepper: To season and balance the spices perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (optional): Helps tenderize chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Base for the luscious doner sauce.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Zesty addition boosting the sauce’s brightness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths and enriches the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory layers in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Echoes the seasoning in the chicken for harmony.
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads: The perfect vehicle to wrap all the delicious fillings.
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced: Adds refreshing crunch.
- 1 medium tomato, sliced: Contributes juiciness and color.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Sharpness balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): Offers fresh green brightness as garnish.
- Pickled vegetables or olives (optional): For a tangy contrast and extra flavor dimension.
How to Make Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon if you choose, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This blend of spices is what gives your chicken that signature doner flavor. Adding plain yogurt here softens the chicken even more, making every bite tender and juicy.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to six hours if you have the time — allowing those bold spices to deeply penetrate the meat is key to a truly flavorful Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Doner Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whip up your creamy doner sauce by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until silky and smooth. Keep this chilled so it’s ready to dollop on your kebabs later.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high. If indoors, lightly oil the pan to avoid sticking. Grill chicken thighs about 6-8 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have those irresistible charred edges. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes — this keeps the juices locked in before slicing into thin, tender strips.
Step 5: Assemble the Doner Kebabs
Warm your pita breads briefly in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Then stack your sliced chicken on each wrap, followed by cucumber, tomato, onion, and any fresh herbs or pickled veggies you love. Drizzle liberally with your prepared doner sauce for that creamy, tangy kick.
How to Serve Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten the presentation and enhance the fresh-herby notes. Pickled vegetables also make a great garnish, offering a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe with crisp fries or a light salad for a complete meal. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a splash of lemon juice complements the kebabs wonderfully without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the chicken and toppings deconstructed on a platter, letting everyone build their own kebab wraps. It’s fun, interactive, and perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, slice the chicken thinly and toss it into bowls over fluffy rice or crunchy greens for a kebab bowl twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the chicken moist when you’re ready to enjoy another round.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken strips wrapped tightly or in a sealed freezer container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water if needed to keep it juicy. The sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so stir it well before spooning it back over the warmed chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you want leaner meat, though thighs give more juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
No need to wait that long. Marinating at least one hour allows the spices to infuse nicely, but refrigerating for up to 6 hours yields even more flavor depth.
Can I make the doner sauce dairy-free?
Yes, try substituting the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with your favorite dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo for a delicious dairy-free sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have pita bread?
Flatbreads, wraps, or even naan bread all make wonderful substitutes that can hold the chicken and toppings just as well.
How do I get that authentic grilled flavor indoors?
If you don’t have a grill, using a grill pan or a cast iron skillet with high heat and a little oil will still give you those lovely char marks and flavorful browning.
Final Thoughts
Give this Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved favorite in so many kitchens. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and wonderfully easy to make anytime you want a taste of authentic street food magic without leaving home. Once you experience the harmony of juicy spiced chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies wrapped in warm bread, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Chicken Doner Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Description
This Chicken Doner Kebab recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful yogurt-based doner sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. Inspired by traditional Turkish street food, this easy-to-make kebab delivers a delicious combination of spices, juicy chicken, and creamy sauce that makes for a perfect lunch or dinner option.
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
To Serve
- 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, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, ground cinnamon (if using), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. If you want extra tenderness, add the plain yogurt at this stage. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Make the Doner Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning to your taste and refrigerate until serving time.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and have a nicely charred and crispy exterior.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for filling the wraps.
- Warm the Bread: Heat the pita bread or flatbread wraps in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Doner Kebabs: Lay each warm wrap flat and layer with a generous amount of the sliced chicken, followed by slices of cucumber, tomato, and onion. Add any optional toppings such as chopped fresh parsley or pickled vegetables. Drizzle the prepared doner sauce over the fillings for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chicken doner kebabs immediately while hot, accompanied by extra doner sauce on the side. Optionally serve with fries or a light salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 6 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Using chicken thighs gives a juicier and more flavorful result compared to breasts.
- Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a subtle warm spice that is characteristic of traditional doner kebabs.
- You can substitute the grill with a grill pan or broiler if a grill is not available.
- To make this recipe leaner, use chicken breasts and omit the mayonnaise in the sauce or substitute with low-fat yogurt.
- Serve with pickled vegetables or olives for authentic Turkish flavors.
