Description
Savor the rich and authentic flavors of Turkish Chicken—juicy, tender, and infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes, delivering a comforting yet exciting taste of traditional Turkish home cooking that adapts well to grilling, baking, or stovetop methods.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless or bone-in
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnishes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, creating the signature Turkish flavor base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces generously with the prepared marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated chicken evenly and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, adjusting time based on thickness.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor before plating.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in thighs add extra flavor and juiciness if you have more time.
- Don’t skip marination: Even a quick 20-minute marinade improves flavor depth significantly.
- High heat cooking: Cooking over medium-high heat helps achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior without drying the meat.
- Pat dry before cooking: Remove excess marinade to avoid steaming and ensure a crispy outside.
- Rest the meat: Let cooked chicken rest to keep it moist and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken thigh or breast)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg