Authentic Turkish Chicken Kebab | Tavuk Siş | Authentic turkish chicken kebab ingredients | Turkish Chicken Recipes with Yogurt

Authentic Turkish Chicken Kebab, known as "Tavuk Şiş," is a delectable dish that encapsulates the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Turkish cuisine. This grilled delicacy is a testament to the art of marination, combining tender chunks of chicken with a tantalizing blend of traditional Turkish spices and herbs.

The essence of Tavuk Şiş lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Boneless chicken pieces, often from the breast or thighs, are marinated in a harmonious mixture of yogurt, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, sumac, oregano, and sometimes lemon juice. This marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful medley of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors, resulting in tender and succulent kebabs.

Traditionally, the marinated chicken is skewered onto metal or wooden skewers and grilled over charcoal or an open flame, imparting a smoky essence to the meat while preserving its juiciness.

Served hot off the grill, Turkish Chicken Kebabs are often accompanied by sides like pilaf, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, flatbreads such as lavash or pide, and a variety of condiments like yogurt-based sauces or sumac-infused onions.

This cherished Turkish delight not only appeals to the palate with its tantalizing taste but also embodies the cultural essence and culinary craftsmanship of Turkey, making it a beloved and iconic dish worldwide.

Authentic Turkish Chicken Kebab Ingredients

The ingredients for authentic Turkish Chicken Kebab (Tavuk Şiş) typically include:

• Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes (about 1-2 inch pieces).
• Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt, used as a tenderizing agent and for flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the marinade.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic, providing a savory taste.
• Spices: A blend of traditional Turkish spices such as paprika, cumin, sumac, oregano, and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the kebabs.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds a tangy flavor to the marinade.
• Skewers: Metal or wooden skewers for grilling the marinated chicken.

These ingredients form the base for the marinade used to flavor the chicken for Turkish Chicken Kebab. The marinade, combining yogurt, spices, and other seasonings, is applied generously to the chicken cubes, allowing them to marinate for several hours or overnight to absorb the flavors before grilling.

Accompaniments like grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, fresh salads, flatbreads, and various sauces or dips often complement the dish, offering a complete and authentic Turkish dining experience.

Authentic Turkish Chicken Kebab | Tavuk Siş Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 to 5 boneless, skinless thighs)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or milk)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon olive oil
• Garnish: oregano, sumac, and paprika

Steps to Make It

• Wash chicken in cold water and dry it out with paper towels.
• Cut the chicken into bite sized cubes.
• Grate onion and garlic and prepare pulp. Remove the additional juice from this grated paste.
• In a glass bowl, mix garlic and onion juice with yogurt, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add chicken cubes and toss to coat.
• Cover this bowl and refrigerate it for 4 hours for good result.
• Add chicken cubes in bamboo skewers (soak skewers in water for a sometime so they don't ignite on the grill) and fry in oil on low flame. Cook for 15 minutes till chicken get tender.

Serve hot!