🍽️ Recipe: Chicken Çökertme Kebab – A Flavorful Twist on a Turkish Classic
One of the most beloved kebabs in Turkish cuisine, Çökertme Kebab, gets a lighter, mouthwatering twist in this version made with chicken instead of red meat.
Ultra-thin matchstick-style fries, topped with garlicky yogurt, serve as the perfect base for juicy, spiced chicken slices seared in a hot pan. The finishing touch? A sizzling butter and red pepper sauce drizzled on top that elevates the flavors to a whole new level.
The secret to this delicious recipe lies in marinating the chicken with aromatic spices and sealing it in a pan for a tender-inside, crispy-outside texture. Get ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen!
📝 Ingredients for Chicken Çökertme Kebab
For the Chicken:
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1 boneless chicken breast
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 garlic clove (minced)
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1 teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon sweet paprika
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Fries:
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4 medium potatoes
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1.5 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
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1 tablespoon ground red pepper
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1 tablespoon butter
For Serving:
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1 bowl of garlic yogurt
👨🍳 How to Make Chicken Çökertme Kebab
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Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into thin julienne strips. Mix with olive oil, garlic, and all spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
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Sear the Chicken: In a hot pan, sear the chicken on both sides until golden. Once it’s browned, add a little butter and a splash of water if needed, then cover and cook until fully done.
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Prepare the Fries: Peel and cut the potatoes into thin matchsticks. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a small pan, then stir in the red pepper powder for a few seconds and remove from heat.
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Assemble: On a plate, layer the crispy fries first. Top with garlic yogurt, then the sautéed chicken, and finish with a drizzle of the butter-red pepper sauce. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
🔥 Cooking Tips
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High Heat for Searing: Use high heat to sear the chicken quickly and lock in moisture. Then reduce the heat to finish cooking gently.
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Add Butter at the End: Adding butter toward the end of cooking enhances the flavor and adds richness.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Çökertme
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Quality Chicken: Use fresh, quality chicken breast for the best texture and taste.
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Marination Time: The longer you marinate, the better the flavor—overnight if possible.
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Use the Right Spices: A balanced mix of black pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper gives the dish its signature flavor.
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Avoid Overcooking: Don’t overcook the chicken; keep it juicy and tender.
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Optional Tomato Sauce: You can also add a fresh tomato sauce on top, enhanced with your favorite spices.
🥗 What to Serve with Chicken Çökertme Kebab?
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Yogurt-Based Sides: Garlic yogurt, mint yogurt, or even tzatziki make great companions.
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Fresh Green Salads: Lettuce, arugula, fresh mint, or spring onions add a refreshing contrast.
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Pickles: Try it with pickled cabbage, cucumbers, or spicy pickles for a tangy kick.
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Spiced Tomato Sauce: A spoonful of rich tomato sauce adds depth and complements the chicken perfectly.
✨ For more Turkish recipes in English, follow Turkish321.com — where authentic flavor meets simplicity!