Homemade Turkish Chicken Döner Wrap
Satisfy your cravings for Turkish street food with this delicious homemade Chicken Döner Wrap. This recipe mimics the flavors of your favorite döner without the complexity of using a vertical rotisserie. Marinate fresh chicken with seasoned ground chicken and spices, freeze overnight, and slice thin for a rich, savory treat. Serve it in a Turkish roll or pita bread, complete with a refreshing yogurt-dill sauce that balances the flavors perfectly.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (flattened)
salt and pepper
to taste (to season chicken breasts)
ground chicken
175g (none)
small onion
1 (grated)
oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
as needed (none)
yoghurt
1 cup (none)
small cucumber
1 (discard seeds, grated and squeezed dry)
dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (smashed with salt)
sugar
1 pinch (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (for yogurt sauce)
Instructions
1
Place a sheet of baking paper on a flat surface and lay one chicken breast on top. Cover it with another sheet of baking paper. Using a meat tenderizer, gently flatten the chicken breast until it is evenly thin, taking care not to tear it. Repeat this process with the second chicken breast.
2
Season both chicken breasts with salt and pepper and set them aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, oregano, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Shape the ground chicken mixture into a compact, round form and sandwich it between the two flattened chicken breasts.
5
Wrap the assembled chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.
6
Remove the wrapped chicken from the freezer approximately 45 minutes before slicing, allowing it to thaw slightly for easier slicing.
7
Carefully slice the chicken into thin, even pieces, using a sharp knife, electric knife, or meat slicer.
8
In a warm non-stick pan, lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray and cook the chicken slices until browned on both sides, being careful not to overcook.
9
For the yogurt sauce, combine the yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, chopped dill, smashed garlic with salt, pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Mix until well blended.
10
Serve the cooked chicken slices inside a Turkish bread roll or wrap with pita bread. Add fresh lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and onion slices, and generously drizzle with the yogurt-dill sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Homemade Turkish Chicken Döner Wrap?
It is a homemade version of the popular Turkish street food that mimics the flavors of a traditional vertical rotisserie döner.
How do you mimic the rotisserie style at home?
By layering seasoned ground chicken between flattened chicken breasts, freezing the assembly, and slicing it very thin before pan-frying.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of boneless skinless chicken breasts and ground chicken.
Why do you need to flatten the chicken breasts?
Flattening ensure the chicken is evenly thin and can properly sandwich the ground chicken mixture.
What is the purpose of freezing the chicken overnight?
Freezing creates a solid block of meat that allows you to cut the paper-thin slices characteristic of döner kebab.
How long should the chicken thaw before slicing?
You should remove the meat from the freezer about 45 minutes before slicing to allow it to soften just enough for a knife to pass through.
What tools can I use to slice the chicken?
You can use a very sharp kitchen knife, an electric knife, or a meat slicer for the best results.
What ingredients are in the ground chicken mixture?
It contains ground chicken, grated onion, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How do I cook the thin chicken slices?
Cook them in a warm non-stick pan lightly sprayed with olive oil until they are browned on both sides.
What is the base of the sauce for this wrap?
The sauce is a yogurt-dill base, similar to a simplified tzatziki or haydari.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the yogurt sauce?
Grate the cucumber, discard the seeds, and squeeze it dry to ensure the sauce doesn't become too watery.
What bread should I use for serving?
Traditional options include Turkish bread rolls or pita bread wraps.
What fresh vegetables are recommended for the wrap?
Fresh lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and onion slices are the classic additions.
How do I season the chicken breasts?
Simply season both sides with salt and pepper after flattening them.
Can I use different spices in the ground chicken?
While oregano is traditional, you could add cumin or paprika for additional depth.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
A small pinch of sugar is added to the yogurt sauce to balance the flavors.
What kind of onion is used in the marinade?
A small onion that has been grated is used to provide moisture and flavor to the ground chicken.
How do I assemble the meat before freezing?
Shape the ground chicken into a round form and sandwich it between two flattened chicken breasts, then wrap tightly in plastic.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used, though they may require more care when flattening due to their shape.
How do I prevent the chicken from tearing when flattening?
Place the chicken between two sheets of baking paper before using the meat tenderizer.
What flavor does oregano add to the dish?
Oregano provides an earthy, aromatic quality that is a staple in Turkish meat preparations.
Is the garlic in the sauce raw?
Yes, the garlic is smashed with salt and mixed raw into the yogurt for a pungent, fresh kick.
How long does it take to cook the slices?
Because the slices are very thin, they cook very quickly, usually just a minute or two per side.
Can I make the yogurt sauce in advance?
Yes, making it an hour or two ahead allows the flavors of the garlic and dill to meld.
Should I use a specific type of yogurt?
A thick, plain yogurt or Greek-style yogurt works best for the sauce.
What is the texture of the finished meat?
It should be tender on the inside with crispy, browned edges from the pan-frying.
Is this recipe considered street food?
Yes, Chicken Döner is one of the most iconic street foods in Turkey.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
This recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a smaller quantity.
Does this recipe require a vertical rotisserie?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to achieve similar results using only a freezer and a standard frying pan.