• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Odehlicious
  • Home
  • Food Adventure
  • Blog Resources
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Cookbook
  • Subscribe
  • Restaurant Review
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Cookbook
    • Subscribe
    • Restaurant Review
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Turkish

    Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava)

    Published: Jun 29, 2023 · Updated: Jan 3, 2024 by Saif Odeh with 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Step by Step Instruction
    • Tips and Hints
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Comments

    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.

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

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

    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.

    📋 Recipe Card

    Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava)

    Saif Odeh
    A Turkish Chicken Tava is a flavorful oven-baked dish combining marinated chicken pieces, vegetables, and herbs, traditionally enjoyed with flatbread.
    4.75 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Turkish
    Servings 4
    Calories 625 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Metal Baking Pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 600 Grams Boneless chicken breast, cut into 2 inches square
    • 2 Large Tomatoes, cut into pieces
    • 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
    • 1 Large Red Onion, cut into small pieces
    • 6 Cloves Garlic, grated
    • 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper, cut into 2 inches size
    • 1 Large Potatoes, cut into 2 inches square shape
    • 6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 1 Teaspoon Cumin
    • 1 Teaspoon Thyme
    • 1 Tablespoon Paprika
    • 1 Tablespoon Salted Butter (optional)
    • 1 Tablespoon Salt
    • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Add cut tomatoes, potatoes, bell pepper and onion in a metal baking pan.
    • In a separate plate bowl, combine the cut boneless chicken breast with cumin. thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of grated garlic, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Set it aside.
    • Returning to the metal baking tray, add the tomato paste, remaining garlic, paprika and the spiced-infused chicken, gently combining them together
    • Pour the remaining extra virgin olive oil on the tray. Mix to combine. Place the chicken above to prevent overcooking the vegetables.
    • Season it with salt and black pepper. If desired, adjust the redness by adding more tomato paste or paprika.
    • Place a tablespoon of rectangular-cut butter piece in the center (Optional).
    • Covered it with foil so the chicken and it's juice will not dry out.
    • Preheat the oven in 200 C or 400 F. Placed the baking pan in the oven for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and place the baking tray back in the oven and broil it for an additional 5-10 minutes to browned the chicken and some of the vegetables.
    • Once done, served it with other Turkish side dishes like salad, fries and pita bread. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • If you like it spicy, add red chili paste or any chili powder
    • You can Romano pepper for sweeter flavor instead of green bell pepper.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4gCalories: 625kcalCarbohydrates: 30.1gProtein: 47.9gFat: 35.8gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 650mgFiber: 5.7gSugar: 7.4g
    Keyword Tavuk Tava, Turkish Chicken Tava
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    « Traditional Arabic Salad Recipe
    16 Delicious Arabic Chicken Recipes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.75 from 12 votes (7 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Elisa

      June 30, 2023 at 3:57 am

      5 stars
      Love this Chicken Tava (Tavuk Tava) recipe, it looks delicious and easy to make for dinner time to save time. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    2. Emily

      June 30, 2023 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      This was so delicious with flatbread! I added some red chili paste for spice, and it was so good. I'll make this again soon!

      Reply
    3. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      June 30, 2023 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      I love how this dish comes together with the chicken and vegetables in the oven. Such great flavours - my family will love this.

      Reply
    4. Tavo

      June 30, 2023 at 7:43 am

      5 stars
      I can definitely use this chicken tava recipe. Looks really good. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    5. Anjali

      June 30, 2023 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      This was such a rich, flavorful and hearty dish! My family loved it!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    About Us

    Hello everyone! This is Saif and his mother Chelly. We are Jordanian-Filipino family that love to cook and share delicious Halal Friendly Filipino, Asian, Middle Eastern and other foods from around the world. 

    More about us→

    Latest Recipe

    • Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai Recipe
    • 10 Authentic Kuwaiti Food Recipes to Try
    • Algerian Chtitha Djedj
    • Chicken Bola Bola Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Copyright Compliant
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2019-2024 The Odehlicious

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.