Turkish Chicken Breasts

These Turkish Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and economical way to prepare boneless, skinless chicken. By filleting the chicken breasts, you not only reduce cooking time but also ensure the meat remains juicy and tender. The marinade, infused with a blend of spices like paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and mint, imparts a rich, earthy flavor to the chicken. This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides such as pilaf, salad, or even used in sandwiches for a delicious twist on the classic chicken burger.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons Turkish seasoning blend (recipe included below)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh parsley
  
  

Directions:

1. Fillet the Chicken:

   • Lay the chicken breasts flat on a chopping board.

   • Using a sharp knife, cut horizontally through each breast to create two even fillets.

   • If the fillets are uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker end to ensure uniformity.

2. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a non-metallic dish, combine the olive oil and Turkish seasoning blend.

   • Mix well to create a uniform marinade.

3. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a heavy-based frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook on one side without moving for 4 minutes.

   • Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until fully cooked through.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest briefly.

   • Slice and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley, if desired.
     
     

Turkish Seasoning Blend:

• 4 tablespoons paprika

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons dried cilantro

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon dried mint

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• ½ tablespoon ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients into an airtight jar and shake to mix. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 265 kcal

• Protein: 25 g

• Carbohydrates: 3 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Cholesterol: 72 mg

• Sodium: 230 mg

• Potassium: 535 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 1813 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 25 mg

• Iron: 2 mg