If you’ve been craving a savory, satisfying homemade doner, this recipe will surely hit the spot! Perfect for a family meal or a special gathering, this homemade doner comes with deliciously tender chicken, fluffy homemade flatbreads (lepinje), and a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish from scratch!
Start by preparing the dough for the lepinje, which is the base of this doner. In a bowl, combine 500 grams of flour, 300 milliliters of warm water, and 100 milliliters of yogurt. The yogurt adds a nice soft texture to the dough and a slight tang, making the lepinje extra delicious. Next, crumble in half a block of fresh yeast and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together to form a dough, then knead it until it’s smooth and soft. Cover the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size. Once it has risen, knead it again gently and leave it to rise for a second time.
While the dough is resting and rising, it’s time to prepare the chicken for the doner. For the meat, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken schnitzels. Place the chicken in a bowl and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, a spoonful of yogurt, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add dry herbs like oregano, rosemary, nutmeg, basil, and garlic powder to infuse the chicken with rich flavors. For extra depth, finely chop one onion, squeeze out the juice, and add just the juice to the chicken. This will help the meat stay tender while cooking. Mix everything together, then let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
After the dough has risen and the chicken is marinated, it’s time to shape and bake the lepinje. On a floured surface, divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, then gently flatten them with your hands into round shapes. Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Mix 5 tablespoons of yogurt and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and brush this mixture onto the top of each flatbread. Sprinkle some seeds on top for extra texture and flavor, and lightly score the surface with a knife. Let the lepinje rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to the highest setting. Once it’s ready, carefully slide the lepinje (with the parchment paper) onto the oven rack and bake them for 4-5 minutes at the highest temperature, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Next, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a non-stick pan over high heat. You don’t need any oil since the chicken already has oil and seasoning. Fry the marinated chicken for a few minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and golden brown. The chicken should be juicy and tender, with all the spices perfectly infused.
While the chicken is cooking, let’s prepare the yogurt sauce. In a bowl, combine 150 grams of yogurt, 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press, and a tablespoon of finely chopped parsley. For a fresh, herbaceous touch, add a tablespoon of dried or fresh dill and the juice of half a lemon. Stir everything together, and your creamy yogurt sauce is ready to complement the doner!
Once everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble your homemade doner. Slice the warm lepinje in half, stuff them with the freshly cooked chicken, and drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top. You can add extra toppings if you like, such as shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers, but the combination of juicy chicken, fluffy lepinje, and tangy yogurt sauce is already a winner.
This homemade doner is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of a classic doner right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family meal. The best part? You can adjust the filling and toppings to suit your taste, making it as light or hearty as you prefer.
