Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava)

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Chicken Tava, also known as "tavuk tava" in Turkish, is an aromatic dish made with marinated chicken pieces mixed with various vegetables and herbs, and baked to perfection in the oven. This Turkish chicken dish is so flavorful that is best eaten with flatbread.

Turkish Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava) mixed with potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes, marinated chicken and different herbs & spices served on a baking tray

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Recipe Ingredients
Step by Step Instruction
Tips and Hints
Frequently Asked Questions
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In Turkey, chicken Tava is a popular staple dish among locals, which is also found in local restaurants and street food stalls. That is because it has a strong aroma, tender chicken, and the combination of different vegetables that add the texture and freshness to the dish.

The word "Tavuk" means chicken in Turkish which reflects the cooking method where the marinated chicken and vegetables are cooked together producing a flavorful dish. On the other hand, the word "Tava" means cooking in a metal baking tray or pan which is traditionally used in Turkish cuisines.

Turkish food is one of my favorite Mediterranean cuisines since they are similar to Middle Eastern and it is halal-friendly. In this post, I made my version of the Turkish Chicken Tava recipe which is easy to make but delicious & aromatic.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredient to make this delicious Tavuk Tava:

Chicken: I am using boneless chicken breast which I cut into pieces. I prefer this type of chicken because they are lean, and tender, and cooks relatively faster.

Bell Pepper: I am using green bell pepper since they add flavor to the chicken, and add vibrant color to the dish.

Potatoes: To add vegetables, I included potatoes since they are a healthy carb and serve as an add-on vegetable to the dish

Herbs / Spices: I am using cumin since they add a nutty flavor, paprika for a sweet & smoky flavor & making the dish red, and thyme to add aromatic flavor to the chicken.

Garlic & Onion: They are important since it enhances the flavor of the chicken and the vegetable

Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: The tomatoes add a tanginess and mild sweetness to my chicken tava, while the tomato paste adds a vibrant red color to my dish

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most important ingredients of this dish since it enhances the flavor, contributes a moist texture, and tenderize the chicken.

Butter: Now this is optional, but I sometimes add salted butter to my dish to help moisten the chicken and vegetables.

Step by Step Instruction

Here are the instruction to make this delicious Turkish chicken Tava:

In a metal baking tray, I add the cut tomatoes, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. You don't have to chop them.
In a separate plate or bowl, I combine the cut chicken breast with garlic, cumin, thyme, and paprika. I set aside some garlic for the next step.

Returning to the metal baking tray, I add the tomato paste, remaining garlic, and the spiced-infused chicken, gently combining them.
If desired, adjust the redness by adding more tomato paste or paprika, and season with salt and black pepper
Now this is optional but place a rectangular-cut butter piece in the center.

Now in this part, I covered it with foil so the chicken and its juice will not dry out.
Preheat the baking oven to 200 C or 400 F, and I placed the baking tray in the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes.
After removing the foil, I place the baking tray back in the oven and broil it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Broiling will give a browned and slightly crispy texture to the chicken and some of the vegetables, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Lastly served it with flatbread, fries, or salad. Enjoy!

Tips and Hints

For stronger flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours or overnight if possible.
You can use Romano pepper instead of bell pepper since they taste sweeter and has thinner skin.
If you want to add spicy, you can use red chili powder or Aleppo pepper.
Make sure you thinly cut the potatoes so they can be cooked thoroughly.
Baking in the oven at 200 C for 30 minutes will help keep the chicken tender and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! You can use these type of chickens since they are juicy, but you may need to bake it longer since they take longer to cook.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during baking?

There are two ways to prevent this:

The first method is covering it with foil, which helps retain moisture during baking. The second method is baking it at a temperature range of 190 to 200 degrees Celsius, which helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly without becoming overly dry

3. Can I keep my turkish chicken tava in the fridge or freezer?

If in the refrigerators, it can last for up to 5 days. However, for freezer, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and store it for up to 3 months. Before serving, make sure you thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What can I serve with my tavuk tava?

You can serve it with traditional Turkish sides such Coban Salatasi salad, Turkish fries (Kizarmis Patates), and any Meditteranean flatbread like my Greek Flatbread.

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