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Home Chicken

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe

By:Nagi
Published:20 Nov '17Updated:1 Aug '20
375 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe!!! Carve it up, just like it’s done at the neon-lit kebab shops, then use it to roll up your very own Doner Kebabs or make kebab plates. Marinated in a heady spice mix before roasting the oven or grilled on the BBQ, this is great food for gatherings.

Also, don’t miss Lamb and Beef Doner Kebab Meat – looks and tastes just like the real deal! (Albeit on a much smaller scale…)

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! www.recipetineats.com

Doner Kebab recipe

It’s practically an Aussie right of passage to do the post-pub midnight kebab run at some point in your life.

Usually at the tender age of 18 when we hit the legal drinking limit (*cough, cough, no mum, I never drank a drop before then*). Late night outs with uni friends, being booted out of pubs at closing, drawn like moths to the brightly lit kebab stores.

You can’t miss the giant rotisserie of meat that greets you when you walk into a Kebab store. Sometimes, it’s concerning to think about how long it’s been there, lazily rotating around, waiting for the next customer to wander in before being carved.

In kebab shops, they are giant – like the size of a punching bag.

For this homemade Doner Kebab recipe, we are going a little smaller.

Like – 2% of the size. 😂

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! www.recipetineats.com

What is Doner Kebab meat made of?

While the chicken kebab meat does actually look like meat, the lamb and beef kebab meats have a uniform texture that’s a dead giveaway that there’s plenty of non-real-food fillers in them!

As for seasonings / preservatives / additives…. who knows?? (She says, with an exaggerated shrug of her shoulders)

And therein lies the greatest upside of homemade doner kebabs:

You know exactly what’s in this.

So. This teeny homemade doner kebab scores big points in this field – you know this is made with all real ingredients!

How to make Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab www.recipetineats.com

Marinate, thread onto skewers, prop on edges of baking pan and bake.

How to make Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab www.recipetineats.com

Then carve up that meat, just like at the kebab shop!

Well, a teeny version of it.(Remember, for today, the rule is that size doesn’t matter!)

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! www.recipetineats.com

What’s the difference between Doner Kebab and Shawarma?

Shawarma and Doner Kebabs are prepared and used in similar ways (ie cooked on a vertical spit, shaved and served wrapped in flatbread) but they have different spice flavourings. Shawarma originates from the Middle East whereas Doner Kebabs originate from Turkey.

What to use Doner Kebab meat for

The two main uses are Doner Kebab Rolls and Doner Kebab plates. However, the meat is also used in Pide, Gozleme and even on pizza – I love them all! 😂

To make Doner Kebab Rolls, lebanese flat bread is smeared with Hummus then topped with Tabbouleh (recipe in notes), shredded lettuce, tomato slices, optional onion then a big pile of the done kebab meat drizzled with sauce of choice (I always go chilli).

Rolled up tightly, wrapped in foil then sometimes toasted to make the bread crisp before slotting it into a paper sleeve (like pictured below).

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! www.recipetineats.com

Kebab Plates are a great alternative for something a bit different. I love the variety you get on the plates. It comes with Hummus, Tabbouleh (recipe in notes), tomato, lettuce, Mejadra (Middle Eastern Spiced Lentil Rice that’s so tasty, you can eat it plain) OR Curried Basmati Rice, and Lebanese Bread (aka pita bread). This is pretty much the standard selection that comes on Kebab plates.

Kebab plates are also a good option for a low carb meal – skip the rice and bread, go heavy on the fresh veg.

Whether you make Doner Kebab rolls or plates, both are equally delicious because of the meat! it’s loaded with flavour, juicy with caramelised edges. Just like from the kebab shop! – Nagi x

Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! www.recipetineats.com

Doner Kebab recipe
Watch how to make it

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Chicken Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab recipe

Author: Nagi
Prep: 20 minutes mins
Cook: 55 minutes mins
Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Mains
Turkish
4.97 from 119 votes
Servings4 - 5 people
Tap or hover to scale
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Recipe VIDEO above. A homemade version of your favourite Chicken Doner Kebab! Tastes remarkably similar to the diner kebab meat from your favourite takeout store. I've baked it, but imagine it rotisserie style over the BBQ or charcoal! You will need 4 long metal skewers for this, around 30cm / 12" long. 

Ingredients

  • 1 kg / 2 lb chicken thighs , skinless and boneless (Note 1)
  • Olive oil , for drizzling

Marinade:

  • 1 cup plain yoghurt , 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 / flatbreads / pita bread , warmed
  • Finely sliced iceberg lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Hummus (or Note 2 for simple Yoghurt Sauce)
  • Tabbouleh (optional, Note 3)
  • Red onion slices
  • Grated cheese
  • Chilli Sauce (I use Sriracha, it's perfect)
  • Mejadra (Middle Eastern Rice with Lentils), for Kebab Plate

Instructions

  • Mix Marinade in a large bowl. Add chicken and mix to coat well.
  • 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.
  • Preheat oven to 220C / 430F (standard) or 200C / 390F (fan / convection).
  • 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.
  • Remove chicken from fridge. Divide the chicken into 2 piles.
  • 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.
  • Prop the 2 skewers on the edges of the baking pan. Drizzle surface with oil.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until the surface is golden with some charred bits (char is good!).
  • 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.
  • Baste again with pan juices and stand for 5 minutes.
  • Carving: Stand the skewers upright or on an angle, and slice meat fairly thinly. Use to make Doner Kebabs or Kebab Plates.

Doner Kebabs:

  • 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).
  • Roll up tightly and wrap in foil. Consume and be happy!

Kebab Plates:

  • 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.

Recipe Notes:

1. CHICKEN: For this recipe, thigh is the only cut that is suitable because it can withstand the long cook time without drying out.
2. Yoghurt Sauce: Easy quick alternative to hummus. Just mix 1 cup yoghurt with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice to taste, 1/2 garlic clove minced, salt and pepper. Mix, set aside 20 minutes+ for flavours to develop. Sprinkle of cumin also lovely.
3. Tabbouleh: 4 tbsp burghul (bulgur or cracked wheat) soaked in 1/2 cup hot boiled water until softened. Mix with 1 cup finely chopped flatleaf parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped mint, 3 spring onions finely diced (or 1/2 red onion), 1 car ripe tomato deseeded and diced. Dress with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. It should be quite tart.
4. MAKE AHEAD/STORAGE: Carve up the chicken, then drizzle over half the pan juices. Cover and refrigerate until required, reheat in microwave for minimum time required just to warm through. Use the rest of the pan juices as required to moisten / add extra flavour onto the chicken.
5. SOURCES: Seasoning is something I created, copying the flavour of the chicken at my local kebab shop! I got the idea to do a "rotisserie" in the oven by propping the skewers up on the pan from this recipe, and I watched a bunch of videos on You Tube like this one, and this one and this one. Yes, this is truly how I "come up" with homemade version of my favourite foods!
6. Nutrition per serving, assuming 5 servings, chicken only.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 250gCalories: 395cal (20%)
Keywords: Doner Kebab Recipe
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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375 Comments

  1. Muna Tamang says

    April 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    Hi Nagi, did you mean 1 cup ripe tomato? X

    Reply
  2. Shay says

    April 19, 2023 at 1:15 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is the biggest hit in my house. My kids are SO excited when I announce I am cooking this up for dinner

    Reply
  3. Celena says

    February 1, 2023 at 10:01 am

    5 stars
    My entire family loves this recipe! I’m from a rural town in Texas. I’ve never heard of a doner kebab before trying this recipe. Thanks so much Nagi!

    Reply
  4. Kirsty Parker says

    January 30, 2023 at 8:39 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe. Wasn’t difficult to follow and tasted amazing!

    Reply
  5. Kristiina says

    November 15, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe has been on high rotation ever since I first made it. The flavour is spot on and I serve it with Nagi’s recipe flatbreads. Winner

    Reply
  6. Neala says

    October 26, 2022 at 3:46 am

    5 stars
    Another outstanding recipe – love it!!!
    Massive fans of your website thanks Nagi 😊

    Reply
  7. David says

    August 28, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi, I’ve made the Chicken Kebabs twice now and they are absolutely delicious. As you say they taste just like ones from a shop. Thanks for sharing this recipe and many others.

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    August 27, 2022 at 2:01 pm

    What is an alternative way to cook the meat, other than on skewers?

    Reply
  9. Emma says

    May 19, 2022 at 10:15 pm

    5 stars
    Hands down one of the best kebabs I’ve had in a long time, better than a purchased on. Made to recipe. When dressing it I used garlic dip and nandos hot chilli sauce, wrapped it and put it on the sandwich press. Loved every mouthful . Got workers doing renos at our house tomorrow and using leftovers to make them all a brag lunch! Did it again Nagi!!! Going to try the lamb next! Thank you for being awesome

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 20, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      Awwww! Thanks for the feedback Emma! N x

      Reply
  10. Tara says

    May 14, 2022 at 9:33 am

    I love this recipe! Wondering if I can freeze the raw chicken in the marinade to thaw and use later? Trying to get organised and plan some meals in advance! Thanks

    Reply
    • Ange says

      September 8, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      Tara you can freeze it. I do it all the time. When thigh’s are on special I get about 4kg and marinate them overnight before freezing. I get out of the freezer 2 days before cooking and defrost in the fridge.

      Reply
  11. Oleg says

    April 29, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    It’s a very great recipe, thank you

    Reply
  12. Alena says

    April 23, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Hi Nagi. What does ‘car ripe tomato’ mean? I’m in UK and I’m not familiar with this term.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 24, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      HI Alena – that’s a typo, sorry! The word car shouldn’t be there! N x

      Reply
  13. Sumara says

    April 23, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    5 stars
    Has anyone tried air frying it? Love this recipe but I want to try it air fryer and if you have more air fryer drop it below. Thanks

    Reply
  14. David says

    April 3, 2022 at 5:03 am

    How do you do it Naga. This is aboslutely great! Every single recipe of yours is fantastic!! This chicken doner is the real deal. 5 mins prep, stick it in the oven job done. Thank you again for such beautiful flavours x

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 3, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      Thanks David! I am happy you liked it! N x

      Reply
  15. John says

    March 16, 2022 at 7:16 am

    Hi Nagi.Just finished eating this with my wife & 4 children & it was exellent!!!First time i made it & will do again many times i think.
    Thank you very much.:-))

    Reply
  16. Shelley says

    February 19, 2022 at 3:30 am

    Do you know what Doner means? Just curious.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 19, 2022 at 1:22 pm

      I had to go look it up! The word doner means turning and in the case of kebabs refers to the turning of the meat on the spit when cooking! I love learning something new!! N x

      Reply
  17. PJ Goetz says

    February 9, 2022 at 9:37 pm

    5 stars
    I have been making this recipe for years. I printed out a copy a long time ago and the paper shows the signs of a recipe that has been used many times. If I want everyone home for dinner I tell them we having Chicken Doner and low and behold everyone’s schedule clears and I get all my favorite people around the dinner table. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.

    Reply
  18. Danielle says

    January 16, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious recipe!! I’ve made it twice now and struggled to turn them over the first time because the skewer just turned inside the chicken… managed to fix this the 2nd time by sitting the skewers on an oven proof cooling rack sitting over the pan… worked perfectly

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 17, 2022 at 10:32 am

      Great tip Danielle! N x

      Reply
  19. Jen says

    November 14, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and the best part is that it’s so easy to make! The recipe is fail safe… every time I make this, it looks like the picture/video… with the yummy charred bits on the outside and the most flavourful pieces in the centre.

    Reply
  20. Helen says

    October 3, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    I just made these and they were amazing. Hubby loved them and has leftovers to take to work tomorrow. Will definately be making these again – Thanks Nagi x

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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