Here are three delicious Turkish chicken recipes that highlight the rich flavors and spices characteristic of Turkish cuisine.
1. Turkish Chicken with Bulgur and Feta
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Turkish spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium red onion (sliced thin)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup bulgur wheat
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lb spinach leaves
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes (mixed)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ⅓ cup feta cheese
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken with the Turkish spice blend. Sauté in a deep ovenproof skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in bulgur and oregano, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Add spinach and tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Pour in chicken stock, nestle the chicken into the mixture, cover, and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving, garnished with feta and parsley
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2. Tavuk Sote (Easy Turkish Chicken Stew)
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 600 g chicken fillet (thigh or breast), cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 Turkish green peppers or bell peppers (cut into cubes)
- 2 red romano peppers (deseeded and cut into cubes)
- 50 g tomato paste
- Optional: hot pepper paste for extra heat
- 250 g tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat a thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add onion and peppers, cooking until softened (8–10 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste, hot pepper paste, and sugar; fry for another minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes, browned chicken, and water; mix well, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10–15 minutes until cooked through
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3. Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Turkish Style
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 russet potato (peeled and cut into chunks)
- Mixed bell peppers (red, green, orange; cut into chunks)
- 1 large tomato (cut into chunks)
- Marinade:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spices: oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, and spices; add chicken to marinate.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer potatoes and half of the peppers; top with marinated chicken and remaining vegetables.
- Roast for about 45 minutes to an hour until everything is cooked through
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These recipes showcase the versatility of chicken in Turkish cuisine while incorporating aromatic spices and fresh ingredients that are both flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking!