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Doner Kebab recipe
5 from 223 votes

Doner Kebab recipe

The Doner Kebab recipe uses marinated, skewer-threaded chicken thighs baked in the oven to mimic the rotisserie cooking style of traditional kebabs. The marinade is yogurt-based with a blend of spices like coriander, cumin, paprika, and garlic, imparting layered flavor while keeping the meat tender. The cooked chicken is golden with some charred bits, suitable for serving in flatbreads or as a plated dish with fresh sides and sauces.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
55 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4 - 5 people
Calories: 395 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

  • 1 kg / 2 lb chicken thighs , skinless and boneless (Note 1)
  • olive oil , for drizzling
Marinade:
  • 1 cup PLAIN yogurt unsweetened (I use Greek
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper , optional
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For Serving (choose):
  • Lebanese bread warmed, or flatbreads, or pita bread
  • iceberg lettuce finely sliced
  • tomato slices
  • hummus (or Note 2 for simple Yoghurt Sauce)
  • tabbouleh (optional, Note 3)
  • red onion slices
  • cheese grated
  • chili sauce I use Sriracha, it's perfect
  • mejadra (Middle Eastern Rice with Lentils), for Kebab Plate

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Mix Marinade in a large bowl. Add chicken and mix to coat well.
  2. Cover and marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours, 24 hours is ideal. If only 3 hours, add an extra 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Preheat oven to 220C / 430F (standard) or 200C / 390F (fan / convection).
  4. Choose a pan of a size such that the skewers will stay propped up on the pan walls (see photos in post or video) and the chicken will be elevated off the base. Line with foil.
  5. Remove chicken from fridge. Divide the chicken into 2 piles.
  6. Take one piece of chicken, fold in half then thread onto two skewers (see video). Repeat and push the chicken snugly up against each other. Repeat with other skewer.
  7. Prop the 2 skewers on the edges of the baking pan. Drizzle surface with oil.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes or until the surface is golden with some charred bits (char is good!).
  9. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken. Then turn, drizzle with oil and bake for 20 minutes (or 25 - 30 minutes if you had large thighs). If you need / want more colour, switch to grill/broil for a few minutes on high - I don't do this.
  10. Baste again with pan juices and stand for 5 minutes.
  11. Carving: Stand the skewers upright or on an angle, and slice meat fairly thinly. Use to make Doner Kebabs or Kebab Plates.
Doner Kebabs:
  1. Place a lebanese bread (or pita bread or other flatbread) on a piece of foil. Spread with a generous dollop of Hummus (or yoghurt - Note 2). Top with shredded lettuce, slices of tomato, Tabbouleh (for a truly authentic experience! Note 3), cheese (I usually go this) and Chicken. Drizzle with chilli sauce if desired (I use Sriracha, it's perfect).
  2. Roll up tightly and wrap in foil. Consume and be happy!
Kebab Plates:
  1. Serve chicken with Mejadra (Middle Eastern Spiced Rice with Lentils), shredded lettuce, tomatoes, slices of red onion, tabbouleh, dollop of hummus. Optional to serve flatbread / lebanese bread on the side.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are best for this recipe as they stay moist during the long cooking time.
  • For a quick yogurt sauce alternative to hummus, mix plain yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; allow to rest for 20+ minutes for flavor development.
  • Tabbouleh can be made by soaking bulgur, mixing with fresh parsley, mint, onions, tomato, and dress with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing side.
  • Leftover chicken can be carved and stored with pan juices in the fridge; reheat gently to retain moisture.
  • Using skewers propped on a pan simulates the vertical rotisserie setup, promoting even cooking and browning.

Nutrition Information

Serving 250g Calories 395cal (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 - 5 people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 395

% Daily Value*

Serving 250g
Calories 395cal 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.