Chicken Topkapi is a beloved and special dish in Turkish cuisine. Boneless chicken thighs are carefully filled with seasoned rice and cooked in the oven with a wonderful sauce. The result is a stunning and flavorful dish that leaves a lasting impression on the palate. You can create a fantastic presentation with this recipe at home, for special occasions, or when sharing moments with your loved ones.
This recipe will add elegance and flavor to your special dining table. It’s a dish that will win the admiration of your guests and take them on a journey of taste. Explore the unique taste of Chicken Topkapi by following the recipe and start trying it right away!
Ingredients
- 5 Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 1 tablespoon Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Rice Filling
- 1 cup Rice
- 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 Onion
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts
- 1 tablespoon Currants
- Half a teaspoon each of Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Hot Water
For the Topping
- 1 cup Hot Water
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- Salt, Oil
Instructions for Chicken Topkapi
- Remove the bones from the chicken thighs and flatten the meat.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with the yogurt, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Soak the currants in water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Wash the rice and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then, drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion.
- Add the rice to the pan and continue sautéing.
- Add the pine nuts, currants, and spices. Continue sautéing. Add half a cup of hot water and turn off the heat before the water is fully absorbed.
- Place the chicken thighs in a suitable bowl with the skin side down. Fill each thigh with an equal amount of rice filling and close it.
- Carefully turn the bowl upside down and transfer the chicken thighs to a baking tray.
- Mix all the ingredients for the sauce to obtain a sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.
- Place the baking tray on the second rack from the bottom in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) with fan support, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Then, move the tray to the second rack from the top and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is nicely browned.
- Chicken Topkapi is ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
