Doner Meat is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe showcases juicy chicken marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, making it perfect for wraps, bowls, or as a main dish. With its enticing flavors and versatile uses, Doner Meat is suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Its unique marinade and cooking methods set this dish apart, guaranteeing a meal that will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Marinade: The easy-to-make marinade infuses the chicken with rich, exotic flavors that elevate the taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Doner Meat as wraps, plates, or even meal prep for lunches throughout the week.
• Simple Cooking Methods: Whether you grill or bake, this recipe ensures you achieve juicy meat with caramelized edges every time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for parties or casual dinners, everyone can customize their own wraps or plates.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your cooking adventure, gather the essential tools to make preparing Doner Meat easy and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Help hold the marinated chicken together while grilling or baking, ensuring even cooking.
• Grill or Oven: Provides versatile cooking options to achieve perfectly cooked Doner Meat with deliciously crispy edges.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining marinade ingredients and preparing sauces without mess.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut in half)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander
• 1 1/2 tsps EACH garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp EACH ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, pepper
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin, ground coriander, pepper
• Lebanese bread/flatbread/pita bread (warmed)
• 1 recipe hummus ((or store-bought))
• Finely sliced Romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (or Roma tomatoes, sliced and quartered)
• English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
• Red onion (thinly sliced quartered)
• Spiralized carrots
• Chili sauce (I use sriracha)
• Rice – for plates ((see notes))

this recipe

How to Make Doner Meat

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Add chicken halves and stir to thoroughly coat.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic yogurt sauce ingredients.
• Chill until ready to serve. Aim to prepare this at least an hour before cooking the chicken.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

• Use two skewers for each kebab; thread one side of the thigh onto each skewer followed by the other side.
• Slide the skewered chicken down towards the end. Repeat with half of the chicken.

Step 4: Grill Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Clean grates and generously grease them with oil.
3. Place kebabs on the grill; cook uncovered for about 4–5 minutes without moving them.
4. Flip kebabs over and grill another 4–5 minutes until they have nice grill marks.
5. Flip again; cover with a lid and reduce heat to maintain around 400 degrees F. Cook additional 5–10 minutes per side until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 5: Bake Instructions (Alternate Method)

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line a pan with foil that allows you to perch skewers on top while letting chicken hang freely in the middle.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes; flip kebabs over after this time.
4. Spoon pan juices over chicken; bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 6: Warm Flatbread

• Wrap desired flatbread amount in foil and place it in the oven during the last few minutes of cooking to warm up.

Step 7: Carve Chicken

• Stand skewers upright on a cutting board; thinly slice off pieces of chicken as desired.

Step 8: Assemble Your Meal

For Wraps:

• Spread hummus on warmed flatbread, then add shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chicken slices, and drizzle garlic yogurt sauce on top.

For Plates:

• Serve sliced chicken on plates along with warmed flatbread, curried rice if desired, along with sides like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, garlic yogurt sauce, sriracha sauce, and hummus.

Enjoy your homemade Doner Meat!

How to Serve Doner Meat

Doner meat is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a variety of serving options. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

Doner Kebab Wraps

• Hummus Base: Spread a generous amount of hummus over warmed flatbread for a creamy foundation.
• Fresh Veggies: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions for crunch and freshness.
• Drizzle Sauce: Top with garlic yogurt sauce and a little sriracha for an extra kick.

Doner Meat Plates

• Plating Style: Serve the doner meat on a plate alongside warm flatbread and rice for a hearty meal.
• Colorful Accompaniments: Include sides of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions to add color and nutrition.
• Sauce Options: Offer garlic yogurt sauce and sriracha on the side for dipping.

Meal Prep Bowls

• Layering Ingredients: Create meal prep bowls by layering rice, doner meat, and fresh vegetables in containers.
• On-the-Go Option: These bowls make excellent lunches that can be easily reheated or enjoyed cold.
• Balanced Nutrition: Ensure each bowl has protein (doner meat), carbs (rice), and plenty of veggies.

How to Perfect Doner Meat

Achieving the perfect doner meat takes some practice but is well worth the effort. Here are some essential tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for 24 hours if possible. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use High Heat: Cooking at higher temperatures helps achieve that delicious caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
• Monitor Temperature: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
• Rest Before Slicing: Letting the meat rest after cooking ensures juiciness by allowing the juices to redistribute.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices in your marinade according to your taste preferences.
• Warm Your Flatbread: Warming flatbread before serving makes it more pliable and enjoyable as a wrap.

Best Side Dishes for Doner Meat

Doner meat pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Curried Rice: Fluffy rice infused with curry spices adds warmth and depth to your meal.
2. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese provides brightness and acidity.
3. Tabbouleh: This herbaceous salad made with parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon is light yet filling.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhance both flavor and nutrition.
5. Chickpea Salad: Protein-rich chickpeas tossed with herbs and spices create a delightful contrast in texture.
6. Pita Chips with Dip: Crunchy pita chips served with hummus or tzatziki make for great appetizers.
7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These tender rolls filled with rice and herbs offer a traditional Mediterranean touch.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles provide acidity that balances out the richness of doner meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making doner meat can be simple, but small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken for enough time can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 8 hours for maximum taste.
• Not using enough spices: Using too few seasonings will result in less flavor. Be generous with your spices for that authentic doner taste.
• Overcrowding the grill or oven: Placing too many kebabs in one spot can cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets that perfect char.
• Cutting the chicken too thick: Thick slices will take longer to cook and may end up dry. Aim for even, thin slices for juicy results.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking can release juices, making it dry. Always let your doner meat rest before slicing.
• Not warming the flatbread: Serving cold flatbread can ruin the experience. Warm it up to enhance flavors and textures in your wraps or plates.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover doner meat in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Doner Meat

• Wrap the doner meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Use airtight containers or freezer bags for extra protection.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Doner Meat

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place doner meat on a baking tray covered with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place doner meat on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the doner meat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doner Meat?

Doner meat refers to seasoned meats cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically served in wraps or plates with various accompaniments.

Can I use other meats for Doner?

Yes! While chicken is popular, you can also use beef or lamb, adjusting marination times as needed based on thickness and type of meat.

How do I make Doner Meat spicy?

To add spice, increase chili powder in your marinade or drizzle sriracha on top when serving. Customize it according to your heat tolerance.

Is Doner Meat healthy?

Doner meat can be a healthier option compared to fast food if made with lean meats and fresh vegetables. Use whole-grain flatbreads for added nutrients.

Can I meal prep Doner Meat?

Absolutely! Doner meat is great for meal prep as it stores well and tastes delicious reheated. Pair it with fresh veggies and grains for balanced meals.

Final Thoughts

This doner meat recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for various occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to impressive gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite toppings or sides. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating delicious wraps or plates!

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Doner Meat

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Doner Meat is a mouthwatering Mediterranean dish that transforms your kitchen into a culinary haven. This recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and yogurt, making it an ideal choice for wraps, bowls, or a standout main course. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, Doner Meat captivates with its rich flavors and adaptability. The unique marinade and cooking techniques ensure a delicious meal that will impress everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp EACH ground cumin
• smoked paprika
• ground coriander
• 1 1/2 tsps EACH garlic powder
• onion powder
• chili powder
• salt
• dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp EACH ground cinnamon
• cayenne pepper
• pepper
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin
• ground coriander
• pepper
• Lebanese bread/flatbread/pita bread (warmed)
• 1 recipe hummus (or store-bought)
• Finely sliced Romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (or Roma tomatoes, sliced and quartered)
• English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
• Red onion (thinly sliced quartered)
• Spiralized carrots
• Chili sauce (I use sriracha)
• Rice – for plates

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by whisking together marinade ingredients and coating the chicken halves. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
2. Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by combining its ingredients in a bowl; chill until needed.
3. Skewer the marinated chicken and grill or bake until cooked through.
4. Warm flatbread in the oven during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Assemble wraps or plates with sliced chicken, veggies, and sauces.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. Adjust spices to taste for a personalized kick.