Homemade Chicken and Turkey Kebab (Oven-Roasted)

This Homemade Chicken and Turkey Kebab brings all the rich, aromatic flavors of your favorite street food right to your kitchen—no special equipment needed. Juicy layers of marinated chicken and turkey are stacked on skewers, roasted in the oven, and shaved thin like authentic shawarma or döner. Serve it wrapped in flatbread or over rice with your favorite sauces and toppings for a meal that’s full of flavor and family-friendly.

What Is Homemade Kebab?

This recipe mimics the vertical spit-style kebab seen in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine—often referred to as shawarma, döner, or gyro—but it's made at home using skewers and your oven. Marinated chicken and turkey are stacked and baked as a single vertical piece, then shaved thin and served with classic sides like flatbread, yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• No grill or rotisserie required—just your oven and a few skewers.
• Marinated for deep, smoky, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor.
• A delicious mix of chicken and turkey, tender and juicy.
• Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy all week.
• Pairs beautifully with pita, rice, salads, or wraps.

Cooking Tips

1. Marinate the meat overnight (at least 8 hours) for maximum flavor.
2. Use a stable base (like a potato) to hold the skewers upright while roasting.
3. Alternate meat slices on the skewers for balanced cooking and visual appeal.
4. Let rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
5. Slice thinly for an authentic kebab texture and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Only One Type of Meat?

Yes! You can use just chicken or turkey if you prefer—thighs or breasts both work well.

Do I Need a Rotisserie or Grill?

Not at all. This recipe is made in the oven using vertical skewers and a stable base like a potato.

What Can I Serve with Homemade Kebab?

Pita or Arabic bread, lettuce, sliced onion, yogurt-garlic sauce, hummus, or tahini dressing are all great accompaniments.

Can I Add Spicy Heat?

Absolutely—add chili flakes, cayenne, or harissa paste to the marinade for a spicy kick.

How Do I Keep the Skewers Upright in the Oven?

Use a large potato or onion as a base and insert it on a baking sheet to support the skewers during roasting.

How to Freeze

Freeze sliced, cooked kebab in zip-top bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How to Store

Let the cooked kebab cool, then store sliced meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm.

How To Make Homemade Kebab

Step 1

Step 1

Marinate the Meat:
In a large dish, place the chicken and turkey breasts. Add olive oil, salt, nutmeg, curry, paprika, oregano, cumin, pepper, garlic, onion, and lemon juice. Massage thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.

Step 2

Step 2

Marinate the Meat:
In a large dish, place the chicken and turkey breasts. Add olive oil, salt, nutmeg, curry, paprika, oregano, cumin, pepper, garlic, onion, and lemon juice. Massage thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.

Set Up the Skewers:
Cut the base of a large potato to stabilize it. Insert 3 skewers vertically into the potato.

Step 3

Step 3

Set Up the Skewers:
Cut the base of a large potato to stabilize it. Insert 3 skewers vertically into the potato.

Assemble the Kebab:
Thread marinated meat slices onto the skewers, alternating turkey and chicken. Stack tightly and balance evenly.

Step 4

Step 4

Assemble the Kebab:
Thread marinated meat slices onto the skewers, alternating turkey and chicken. Stack tightly and balance evenly.

Roast:
Place the kebab on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast in the oven at 360°F (180°C) for 50 minutes.

Step 5

Step 5

Roast:
Place the kebab on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast in the oven at 360°F (180°C) for 50 minutes.

Slice and Serve:
Let the kebab rest for a few minutes. Slice thinly with a sharp knife and serve in warm flatbread with your favorite sides.