We Tried the Viral Doner Recipe… But With Chicken
We Tried the Viral Doner Recipe… But With Chicken! is a easy Turkish recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Refika's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $8.22 total, $2.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, trimmed)
- 3 pieces Chicken Thighs (skinless, boneless)
- 1 medium Onion (juiced (squeeze through a cheesecloth or press))
- 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (full‑fat or Greek yogurt)
- 0.5 tsp Tomato Paste (smooth)
- 1 tsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tbsp Thyme (heaped, dried or fresh)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Juice the onion by pressing it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a small bowl. Measure all spices, yogurt, tomato paste, butter, and olive oil.
Time: PT5M
Process Chicken and Onion
Place the chicken breasts, thighs, and the juiced onion into the food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, homogenous paste.
Time: PT10M
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Transfer the chicken paste to a mixing bowl. Add yogurt, tomato paste, melted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme. Mix with a spatula until fully incorporated and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line the baking tray with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°C
Shape Donut Rings
Lightly wet a clean countertop with water or a few drops of oil. Scoop portions of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and shape each into a ring with a hole in the middle, about 2‑3 cm thick.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Chicken Donuts
Place the shaped donuts on the prepared tray, leaving space between them. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 200°C
Cool and Serve
Remove the tray from the oven and let the donuts rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with a side of yogurt dip or fresh salad.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: Turkey thigh
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: Sour cream, Kefir
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Ketchup (reduced)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Thyme: Oregano
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Processing chicken and onion into a smooth paste
- Shaping the mixture into donut rings
- Baking until the internal temperature reaches 75°C and the exterior is golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a chilled mixing bowl to keep the meat paste firm while you work.
- A light drizzle of olive oil on the tops before baking gives a richer crust.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on the donuts just before baking.
Troubleshooting
The mixture is too sticky and won’t hold a shape.
Add 1‑2 tbsp of fine‑ground almond flour or chill the mixture for 10‑15 minutes before shaping.
Donuts spread and lose the hole during baking.
Make the rings slightly thicker and place them on a hot pre‑heated tray; avoid overcrowding.
Donuts are pale and undercooked inside.
Increase bake time by 3‑5 minutes and verify internal temperature with a thermometer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Not recommended; may spoil quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shape the donuts and refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze raw donuts on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen adding 5 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Savory Chicken Donut in Turkish cuisine?
Savory chicken donuts, known locally as "Tavuk Donut," are a modern street‑food twist on traditional Turkish meat pastries. They reflect Turkey’s love for hand‑shaped, oven‑baked snacks that are portable and protein‑rich, often enjoyed with tea or as a quick bite during festivals.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken donut in Turkish cuisine?
In the Aegean region, cooks add crushed walnuts and fresh mint, while in Central Anatolia, the dough is flavored with sumac and served with a thick yogurt‑garlic sauce. The basic technique of shaping meat into rings remains consistent across regions.
How is Savory Chicken Donut traditionally served in Turkey?
Traditionally, the hot chicken donuts are served on a wooden platter with a side of plain yogurt mixed with garlic and dill, accompanied by fresh cucumber slices and a glass of ayran (a salty yogurt drink).
What occasions or celebrations is Savory Chicken Donut associated with in Turkish culture?
Chicken donuts are popular at local fairs, Ramadan iftars, and family gatherings where quick, hearty finger foods are needed. They are also a favorite snack during soccer match viewings.
What makes Savory Chicken Donut special or unique in Turkish cuisine?
The combination of ground chicken with yogurt and thyme creates a moist, tender interior, while the donut shape offers a fun, handheld format that differs from typical kebabs or börek. Its high protein content also aligns with modern health‑focused Turkish cooking trends.
What other Turkish dishes pair well with Savory Chicken Donut?
Serve the donuts alongside a fresh shepherd’s salad (çoban salata), a bowl of lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), or with a side of bulgur pilaf flavored with pine nuts for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Savory Chicken Donut at home?
Common errors include over‑processing the meat which can make the texture gummy, under‑seasoning the paste, and baking at too low a temperature which leaves the interior undercooked. Follow the processing time and bake at 200°C for a golden crust.
Why does this Savory Chicken Donut recipe use a food processor instead of hand‑kneading?
A food processor creates a uniformly smooth paste quickly, ensuring the donuts hold together without large meat fibers. Hand‑kneading can leave lumps that affect texture and cause the donuts to fall apart during baking.
Can I make Savory Chicken Donut ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can shape the donuts and refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw for up to a month. Store baked donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen, hosted by Turkish chef Refika Birgül, specializes in vibrant, home‑cooked Turkish and Mediterranean recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, often emphasizing quick, accessible techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen's approach to Turkish cooking differ from other Turkish cooking channels?
Refika's Kitchen focuses on colorful, ingredient‑driven storytelling, using everyday pantry items and playful presentation, whereas many other Turkish channels stick to classic, formal cooking methods. Refika often adds unexpected flavor pairings, like yogurt in meat pastries, to make dishes more approachable.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
