If you’re craving bold flavors and a comforting dish, chicken tava is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: tender chicken, sizzling spices, and colorful vegetables, all coming together in a single pan for a meal that’s both simple and unforgettable. Let me walk you through every step of this Turkish delight, right from preparation to serving suggestions. Trust me – this one will leave you licking the pan!
Chicken Tava Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Here’s everything you need to make this chicken tava recipe come to life:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large skillet (or an oven-safe pan)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tip: An oven-safe skillet gives you that extra crispy finish that makes this recipe pop.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Bell peppers (any color) | 2 medium |
| Tomato | 2, diced |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (garnish) | 2 tbsp, chopped |
Fun Fact: The term “tava” refers to the unique Turkish pan traditionally used to cook this dish, known for its concave shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Note: Opting for chicken thighs gives you juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breast.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Toss in the bell peppers and sauté until they’re soft.
- Finally, add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until fragrant.
Warning: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it! Burnt garlic will turn the dish bitter, and nobody wants that.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Push the veggies to one side of the skillet.
- Add the remaining olive oil and chicken pieces.
- Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown.
Fact: Browning the chicken gives it a lovely depth of flavor – don’t skip this step!
4. Combine and Simmer
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika.
- Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are fully combined.
Tip: Adding tomato paste gives a rich, tangy base to the dish. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully.
Additional Tips
- Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Lemon touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken tava rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Pairing Suggestions
This chicken tava pairs wonderfully with sides that soak up the savory juices. Here are a few ideas:
- Crusty bread or pita
- Rice or pilaf
- Grilled vegetables
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Approximation Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Dietary Information
Chicken tava is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for a low-carb diet by skipping any added sugars or carb-heavy sides.
Note: This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. You can substitute tofu or paneer to make a veggie version, but the cooking times will vary.
FAQs about Chicken Tava
What’s the best cut of chicken for chicken tava?
Using boneless chicken thighs is ideal. They stay juicy and flavorful throughout cooking, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out.
Can I make chicken tava in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
Can I freeze chicken tava?
Yes, chicken tava freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use pureed tomatoes or even ketchup in a pinch.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Of course. Mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant would make great additions.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the paprika.
Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, chicken tava is low in carbs, especially when paired with keto-friendly sides.
Conclusion
Chicken tava is a one-pan wonder that combines rich flavors with a no-fuss approach, making it perfect for family dinners or even entertaining guests. You’ll love how simple and delicious it is – a truly satisfying meal!
If you’ve tried this recipe, let me know what you think! Share your comments, questions, or any tweaks you made below.
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Firebird Chicken Recipe
- BBQ Rubs and Spices Recipe
- Sweet and Sour Combo Recipe
- Cheddars New Orleans Pasta Recipe
- Cook Frozen Ravioli Recipe
- Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Chicken Tava Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large skillet (or an oven-safe pan)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 medium bell peppers any color, sliced
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Note: Opting for chicken thighs gives you juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breast.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Toss in the bell peppers and sauté until they’re soft.
- Finally, add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until fragrant.
- Warning: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it! Burnt garlic will turn the dish bitter, and nobody wants that.
Cook the Chicken
- Push the veggies to one side of the skillet.
- Add the remaining olive oil and chicken pieces.
- Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown.
- Fact: Browning the chicken gives it a lovely depth of flavor – don’t skip this step!
Combine and Simmer
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika.
- Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are fully combined.
- Tip: Adding tomato paste gives a rich, tangy base to the dish. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Lemon touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken tava rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Leave a Reply