Turkish chicken paprikas, a beloved dish across Turkey, combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful meal. This recipe highlights how easy it is to prepare this classic dish at home, making it a favorite for both restaurant-goers and home cooks alike. Traditionally served with rice or bulgur, this dish can also be enjoyed with pasta.
Ingredients for Turkish Chicken Paprikas
To prepare this delightful meal, you will need the following ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons of oil
– 600 grams of boneless chicken thigh or breast
– 1 medium onion
– 1 small green bell pepper
– 2 red bell peppers
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 25 grams of Turkish spicy pepper paste (aci biber salçasi)
– 1 teaspoon of Aleppo chili flakes (or sweet or hot ground paprika)
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 250 grams of tomatoes
– 200 ml of water
– 15 grams of parsley, salt, and pepper
If you don’t have the Turkish spicy pepper paste on hand, you can substitute it with extra tomato paste. For a milder flavor, sweet or hot ground paprika can replace the Aleppo chili flakes.
Preparation Method
Begin by cutting the chicken into 2 cm cubes. Finely chop the onion and dice the bell peppers. Remove the parsley leaves from the stems and chop them. To prepare the tomatoes, briefly blanch them in boiling water, peel, and chop them coarsely.
In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil and lightly brown the chicken in batches. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and bell peppers for 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly and adding more oil if necessary. You may also add a splash of water if needed.
Next, add the tomato paste, pepper paste (if using), ground paprika, and sugar to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute or two, ensuring everything is well combined.
Return the chicken to the pot, add the chopped tomatoes and water, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Allow the dish to sit for five more minutes before serving. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle additional parsley on top before serving.
This Turkish chicken paprikas recipe not only highlights the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine but also provides a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by family and friends. Enjoy this dish with your choice of rice, bulgur, or pasta for a satisfying dining experience.
