Are you looking to add a burst of flavor to your dinner table? Look no further than Turkish Style Chicken. This aromatic and zesty dish combines tender chicken with a medley of spices, creating a meal that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try.
Introduction
Turkish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices, and this Turkish Style Chicken recipe is no exception. This dish features marinated chicken cooked with aromatic spices and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and grated cheese. The result is a satisfying and mouthwatering meal that can be served as a main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe.
Ingredients for Turkish Style Chicken
To prepare Turkish Style Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of chicken fillet
- 1 tablespoon of sweet red pepper
- 1 tablespoon of chili
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
- ½ teaspoon of yogurt
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 20 grams of cow butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 300 milliliters of hot fresh cow’s milk
- 150 grams of grated cheese
- Parsley for decoration
These ingredients will help you achieve the perfect blend of flavors that define Turkish Style Chicken.
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
Marinating the chicken is a key step in infusing it with the rich flavors of the spices. Follow these steps to prepare the marinade:
- Wash and dry the chicken: Start by washing the chicken fillet and drying it thoroughly.
- Cut into small pieces: Cut the chicken fillet into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the marinade: In a bowl, combine salt, ground red pepper, sweet red pepper, chili, tomato puree, yogurt, and chopped garlic.
- Add the vinegar: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
The marinade helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with robust flavors.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection:
- Heat the oil: In a pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Watch for doneness: Keep an eye on the chicken, ensuring it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Cooking the chicken properly will result in a juicy and flavorful dish.
Making the Béchamel Sauce
The béchamel sauce adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the dish. Follow these steps to prepare it:
- Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt the cow butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in the hot fresh milk while stirring continuously.
- Cook until thickened: Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.
The result will be a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
Assembling the Dish
Now that the chicken and béchamel sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish:
- Transfer the chicken: Move the cooked chicken to a deep pan or casserole dish.
- Pour the béchamel sauce: Pour the béchamel sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle grated cheese: Top the dish with grated cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Add chopped parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch of flavor.
- Cover and cook: Cover the dish with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
This final cooking step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delightful and hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Turkish Style Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Rice pilaf: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf for a complete meal.
- Salad: A refreshing salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
These serving suggestions enhance the dining experience and make the dish even more satisfying.
Conclusion
Turkish Style Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and delightful presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is a must-try.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.
- What type of cheese works best for this dish?
- Grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese work well for melting and creating a cheesy topping. You can also experiment with other types of cheese based on your preference.
- Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it gently and stir well before using.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Turkish Style Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Can I freeze Turkish Style Chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken without the béchamel sauce for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and preparing the sauce separately.
