Authentic Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe – Better Than Takeout!

There’s something irresistible about a juicy, flavorful Doner Kebab — that perfect combination of spiced meat, cool creamy sauce, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in warm flatbread. Whether you’ve savored it from a bustling street food vendor or your favorite Mediterranean restaurant, this dish is pure comfort food. And the best part? You can now recreate this iconic favorite at home with ease.

This recipe is for everyone who loves bold flavors, homemade cooking, and impressing friends and family with authentic dishes that rival your favorite takeaway. It’s perfect for weekend gatherings, weeknight meals, or meal prep you’ll actually look forward to eating. Whether you opt to grill or bake the chicken, the end result is succulent, tender meat infused with spices that take your taste buds on a journey.

Let’s dive into this ultimate homemade Doner Kebab recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Doner Kebab Recipe

Full of Flavor: The marinade is a powerhouse of spices and tangy ingredients like yogurt, lemon, and balsamic vinegar.
Versatile: Serve it as a wrap, on a plate, over rice, or even in a bowl with grains and greens.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and leftovers taste even better.

Healthier than Takeout: You control the ingredients, including sodium, oils, and added sugars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Marinade

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (halved)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp each: ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander
1½ tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, dried oregano

½ tsp each: ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp finely chopped mint

½ tsp salt
¼ tsp each: ground cumin, ground coriander, pepper

Optional Wrap & Plate Additions

Lebanese bread, flatbread, or pita bread (warmed)

Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Finely shredded Romaine or iceberg lettuce
Sliced cherry or Roma tomatoes

Quartered cucumber slices
Thinly sliced red onion
Spiralized carrots

Sriracha or chili sauce
Curried rice (for plate servings)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls (large for marinade, medium for sauce)

Whisk
Cutting board & sharp knife
Metal skewers (2 per kebab recommended)

Grill or oven
Baking pan (with edges for skewer suspension)
Foil (for lining and warming bread)

Tongs or spatula
Food thermometer (to ensure chicken reaches 165°F)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk all marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the halved chicken thighs and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours to allow maximum flavor infusion.

2. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

3. Skewer the Chicken

Using two skewers per kebab, thread each piece of chicken so it folds over the skewers. Stack them tightly so they resemble a rotisserie-style kebab. Repeat for a second skewer set.

Cooking Options

To Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grease the grates well.
Grill kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side until browned.
Lower heat to maintain around 400°F, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes more, flipping once. Use a thermometer to confirm internal temp hits 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

To Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a baking pan with foil and suspend the skewers across the top edges of the pan.

Bake for 30 minutes, flip, baste with juices, and bake another 15–20 minutes.
Optional: Broil 3–5 minutes per side for crispier bits.
Let rest before slicing.

How to Assemble Doner Kebab Wraps

Warm your flatbread in foil in the oven for 8–10 minutes.
Spread a layer of hummus across the bread.
Top with sliced lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and spiralized carrots.

Add sliced chicken and drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce.
Finish with a bit of sriracha if desired.

Doner Kebab Plate Option

Not in the mood for a wrap? Serve the sliced chicken with:

Curried or plain rice
Grilled flatbread on the side

Fresh chopped salad
A spoonful of hummus
Drizzles of garlic yogurt sauce and chili sauce

Storing Leftovers

Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Sauce: Keep in a sealed jar or container for up to 5 days.
Flatbread: Store wrapped in foil or a zip-top bag. Reheat in a warm oven or dry skillet.

Recipe Tips and Swaps

Protein Variations: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, beef, or even lamb. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetarian Twist: Use marinated and grilled halloumi or mushrooms.
Spice Control: Reduce or omit cayenne for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat.

Herbs: Don’t skip the mint and parsley in the yogurt sauce—they add a fresh, authentic taste.
Rice Pairing: Try curried rice or a lemon-herb basmati as a hearty base for plates.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

Mint lemonade
Ayran (a traditional yogurt drink)

Sparkling water with cucumber slices

Sides:

Tabouli salad
Grilled vegetables
Pickled turnips or cucumbers

FAQs

Can I use store-bought doner seasoning?
Yes, but fresh ingredients like lemon juice, yogurt, and herbs elevate the flavor significantly.

Do I need a rotisserie?
Not at all! Using skewers and stacking the chicken simulates the layered effect of rotisserie meat beautifully.

Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and even pre-slice veggies and mix the sauce. It’s easy to throw together wraps throughout the week.

How spicy is this?
The base recipe has moderate heat. Reduce or omit cayenne and sriracha if you’re sensitive to spice.

What’s the best bread to use?
Lebanese or pita bread works best—anything soft and pliable to wrap your ingredients securely.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Doner Kebab is proof that you don’t need a spit or fancy equipment to recreate your favorite takeout dish. With layers of flavor, a balance of textures, and customizable components, this recipe is a keeper in every home cook’s arsenal. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or an impressive feast, these kebabs won’t disappoint.

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Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe