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Chicken Doner Kebab: A Delicious Guide to Making This Popular Dish at Home


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 100 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken Doner Kebab features marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands or a spatula to mix.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary. Add more minced garlic for a stronger flavor if desired.
  6. Cover the sauce and refrigerate until ready to assemble the kebabs.
  7. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or your oven to 400°F (200°C). For pan-frying, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken as per your preference.
  9. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, it may take about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  10. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain juices.
  11. Slice the chicken into thin strips for easy assembly.
  12. Take a pita bread or flatbread and layer it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and sliced red onion.
  13. Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with the garlic sauce.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then wrap or fold the pita around the filling.
  15. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Doner Kebab!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to be juicier.
  • Feel free to add other toppings like pickles or hot sauce for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes