Name: Chicken Doner Kebab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground turmeric; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Doner Kebab is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean street food made with thinly sliced marinated chicken, grilled or roasted to perfection. Served in pita, wraps, or over rice, it’s bursting with flavor and incredibly versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade version brings all the flavors of restaurant-style doner into your kitchen—tender, spiced chicken with charred edges and juicy interior. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and easily adapted to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Plain yogurt
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Paprika
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Ground cinnamon
Ground turmeric
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Mix to form a marinade.
Coat chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.
Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Serve in wraps, pita bread, or over rice with salad and sauces of your choice.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6. Prep time: 15 minutes. Marinate: 2–12 hours. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: up to 2.5 hours including marinating.

Variations

Use chicken breast if preferred, though thighs are more tender
Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat
Try Greek yogurt for a tangier marinade
Serve with garlic sauce, tahini, or tzatziki for added richness

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, then broil briefly to brown.

What’s the best cut of chicken for doner?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.

What sauces pair well with chicken doner?

Garlic sauce, tzatziki, hummus, or chili sauce are traditional choices.

Is it spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add chili powder or hot sauce for heat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the marinade.

What should I serve it with?

Pita or flatbread, rice, chopped salad, and pickled vegetables are common accompaniments.

Can I grill it instead of pan-frying?

Yes—grill over medium-high heat for authentic char and flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Use a large baking tray or batch-cook on the grill.

How do I get the thin doner-style slices?

Rest the cooked chicken, then slice very thinly with a sharp knife across the grain.

Conclusion

Chicken Doner Kebab is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home and tastes just like your favorite takeout. With its bold marinade and tender texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Chicken Doner Kebab

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 2 hours 30 min (including marinating)
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper to form a marinade.
Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.
Cook marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and nicely browned.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
Serve in wraps, pita bread, or over rice with salad and your choice of sauces.