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Çiftlik Kebabı

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Çiftlik Kebabı

Çiftlik Kebabı hails from Ankara, where it's a beloved staple in local homes, especially during leisurely family dinners. This dish is not bound to special occasions but rather finds its place in the everyday rhythm of Turkish culinary life. It reflects the comforting authenticity of a family recipe, passed down and adapted through generations, with each cook adding their own touch of generosity and warmth.

In this version, chicken thighs and mushrooms meld together under the rich embrace of cream and butter, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and familiar. The salt and black pepper are balanced by instinct, allowing the flavors to shine without overpowering. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce, perfect for sharing among friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 400 gmushrooms
  • 200 mlcream
  • 2 tbspbutter
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by patting the 800 g of chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it melts and begins to foam. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if they have skin, and cook until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, and the chicken should have a deep, rich color with crispy edges.
  2. While the chicken is browning, clean and slice the 400 g of mushrooms. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown. This will take about 5 minutes, and you'll notice a nutty aroma and the mushrooms will shrink and deepen in color.
  3. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in 200 ml of cream, stirring gently to combine the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cream to bubble softly around the edges. This will help the flavors meld together and the cream to thicken slightly.
  4. Allow the chicken and mushroom mixture to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency. The chicken should be tender and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon, indicating it has thickened enough. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs of your choice, such as parsley or dill, over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Çiftlik Kebabı hot, ideally with some crusty bread or rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. This dish is meant to be shared, so set it in the center of the table and enjoy with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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