Description
Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner) offers a flavorful and satisfying meal, with tender, seasoned chicken cooked to perfection and served in warm pita or flatbread. The combination of juicy, spiced chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures—tender on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior. This dish is easily customizable: swap the chicken for lamb or beef, add your favorite toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickled onions, or try different sauces like garlic sauce or tahini. For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or fresh parsley. Try making Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner) for a mouthwatering meal, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced into strips or chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For Assembling:
- 4 pita or flatbreads (or any preferred bread/wrap)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce or mixed greens
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, tahini (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can also add a bit of water if you want the sauce to be thinner.
- Set Aside: Cover the sauce and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly browned. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan – cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for a couple of minutes to rest.
4. Assemble the Doner Kebabs:
- Prepare the Pita or Flatbread: Warm the pita or flatbreads in the same pan for 10-15 seconds per side, or microwave them for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable.
- Fill the Bread: Lay the warm pita or flatbread on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked chicken onto the bread.
- Top with Veggies: Add slices of fresh tomato, cucumber, red onion, and some fresh lettuce or greens on top of the chicken. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy yogurt sauce over the top of the chicken and veggies. Roll up the bread to encase the filling.
5. Serve:
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Doner Kebabs warm with a side of extra sauce, fresh herbs, or your favorite side dish like fries or a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 kebabs
- Calories: 400-450 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g