Chicken Doner from Uni Kebab features tender, marinated chicken slices seasoned with aromatic spices, stacked on a vertical rotisserie and served in warm, soft pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and tangy garlic sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean street food experience.
Equipments
- Vertical rotisserie (shawarma/doner grill)
- Sharp slicing knife
- Mixing bowls
- Marinating container
- Tongs
- Pita bread warmer or toaster
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving tongs
- Salad spinner or colander
- Sauce bottle or ladle
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Pita bread
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cup garlic sauce
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tenderness and better absorption of the aromatic spice marinade, which includes a balanced blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and smoked paprika for authentic Mediterranean flavor. Marinating the chicken with yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic cloves not only enhances moisture but also tenderizes the meat for a juicy texture after cooking on a vertical rotisserie. Fresh pita bread warmed before serving pairs perfectly with crisp shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy garlic sauce to balance the savory spiced chicken. Maintaining consistent spice quantities and fresh ingredients is key for replicating the unique taste profile found in Uni Kebab's Chicken Doner. Your homemade Chicken Doner from Uni Kebab copycat menu will capture the same bold flavors and satisfying street food experience when these key ingredients and preparation methods are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Prepare marinade: Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken: Coat chicken thighs in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 4–24 hours.
- Preheat rotisserie: Heat vertical rotisserie to medium-high.
- Skewer chicken: Stack and secure marinated chicken thighs onto rotisserie spit.
- Cook chicken: Roast chicken on rotisserie until fully cooked and browned, basting occasionally.
- Slice chicken: Thinly shave cooked chicken from rotisserie with sharp slicing knife.
- Warm pita: Heat pita bread using warmer or toaster.
- Prepare vegetables: Rinse, dry, and shred lettuce; slice tomatoes.
- Assemble doner: Fill each pita with sliced chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Add sauce: Drizzle garlic sauce over the filling.
- Serve: Use tongs to serve the assembled chicken doner immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Doner from Uni Kebab copycat menu uses marinated chicken thighs infused with a blend of aromatic Mediterranean spices, stacked and cooked on a vertical rotisserie for authentic texture and flavor. You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness. In the absence of a vertical rotisserie, bake or grill the marinated chicken evenly on a baking tray or grill pan for similar results. When slicing, use a sharp chef's knife to ensure thin, even pieces that maintain tenderness and allow for better sauce absorption. Fresh pita bread can be warmed in a toaster or skillet if a pita bread warmer is unavailable, enhancing the overall street food experience.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 4 hours to allow the spices and yogurt to tenderize and infuse the meat thoroughly. Use a very sharp slicing knife to shave thin, even slices from the rotisserie for authentic texture and better flavor absorption. Your pita bread should be warmed just before serving to keep it soft yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy chicken and fresh vegetables without tearing. Rinse and dry the lettuce thoroughly using a salad spinner or colander to prevent sogginess inside your doner.
Nutritions
Chicken Doner from Uni Kebab offers a protein-rich meal primarily sourced from 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of olive oil and yogurt in the marinade adds healthy fats and probiotics that support heart health and digestion, while the assortment of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric supply antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Fresh vegetables such as shredded lettuce and tomatoes contribute fiber, vitamins A and C, and hydration, enhancing overall nutrient density. You can enjoy this balanced Mediterranean dish as a flavorful option that combines lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce in one satisfying pita pocket.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken doner slices in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep your garlic sauce in a separate sealed container in the fridge, avoiding cross-contamination with other ingredients. Use refrigerated chicken doner within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay juicier on the rotisserie. Try adding a hint of chili powder or cayenne to the marinade for a spicier kick. Instead of garlic sauce, a yogurt-tahini dressing can provide a creamier, nutty flavor that complements the spices. Consider grilling the pita briefly over an open flame to add a smoky, charred touch to each sandwich.
Allergies
Chicken Doner from Uni Kebab contains yogurt, which poses a risk for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Garlic sauce includes garlic, potentially triggering sensitivity in some people. Your meal may also contain gluten from the pita bread, so those with gluten allergies or celiac disease should take caution.
Why this recipe?
Uni Kebab's Chicken Doner features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection, delivering authentic Middle Eastern flavors with every bite. The balanced blend of spices and herbs creates a savory depth that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. You will appreciate the satisfying texture and rich taste that make this dish a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Recreating this Chicken Doner at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors while customizing ingredients to your liking.