Turkish Chicken Wings
Turkish Chicken Wings
5 from 28 votes
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the vibrant and scrumptious Turkish chicken wings! Tantalize your senses with this richly-spiced, yoghurt-marinated delight that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Istanbul.
Turkish Chicken Wings

Nestled in the heart of Turkish cuisine, my recipe for Turkish Chicken Wings promises a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Originating from the rich culinary heritage of Turkey, these chicken wings boast a tantalizing blend of spices and ingredients that elevate them to culinary perfection.

Crafted with a medley of aromatic spices such as sumac, cumin powder, and paprika, these wings are bathed in a marinade featuring tangy yogurt, fiery hot pepper paste, and fragrant garlic paste.

This marinade not only infuses the chicken with intense flavor but also ensures that each bite is tender and succulent.

Despite its exotic origins, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, making it perfect for beginners eager to explore the world of international cuisine.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can recreate the vibrant flavors of Turkey in your own kitchen.

Expert Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of crushed chillies and hot pepper paste in the marinade. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings: Chicken wings provide a juicy and tender base for the flavorful marinade. They are perfect for absorbing the rich blend of spices and sauces, resulting in mouthwatering bites that are both satisfying and delicious.

Yoghurt: Yoghurt not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a creamy texture to the marinade. Its tangy flavor complements the bold spices, balancing out the heat and acidity for a well-rounded taste experience.

Sumac: Sumac lends a unique tartness to the marinade, infusing the chicken wings with a subtle citrusy flavor. Its vibrant red hue also adds visual appeal to the dish, making it as visually enticing as it is delicious.

Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken wings while also helping to tenderize the meat. It plays a crucial role in seasoning the marinade, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Crushed Chillies: Crushed chillies bring a fiery kick to the marinade, adding depth and heat to the flavor profile. They contribute a bold, spicy element that elevates the dish and keeps your taste buds tingling.

Hot Pepper Paste (Biber Salçasi): Hot pepper paste is the secret ingredient that gives these Turkish Chicken Wings their signature heat and complexity. Made from sun-dried red peppers, this paste infuses the marinade with a rich, smoky flavor that sets these wings apart from the rest.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder adds earthy warmth and depth to the marinade, complementing the other spices with its distinctive aroma and flavor. It brings a touch of Middle Eastern flair to the dish, tying together the diverse range of ingredients.

Olive Oil: Olive oil not only helps to bind the marinade together but also contributes a subtle fruity undertone to the flavor profile. Its rich, robust flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish, leaving you craving more with each bite.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste infuses the marinade with pungent, aromatic notes that enhance the overall depth of flavor. It adds a bold, savory element to the dish, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.

Paprika: Paprika lends a vibrant color and smoky sweetness to the marinade, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile. Its mild heat and earthy undertones complement the other spices, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking tray when cooking the chicken wings. Leaving space between the wings ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

  • Turkish Pilaf: Pair these succulent Turkish Chicken Wings with a fragrant bowl of Turkish pilaf for a complete and satisfying meal. The fluffy, seasoned rice provides the perfect canvas for soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
  • Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip): Serve a side of refreshing cacik alongside the Turkish Chicken Wings for a cooling contrast to the spicy marinade. Made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs, this traditional Turkish dip adds a creamy, tangy element to the meal that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the wings.
  • Fresh Salad: Balance out the richness of the chicken wings with a crisp and refreshing salad. Toss together a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, then drizzle with a simple vinaigrette dressing for a light and vibrant accompaniment to the meal.
  • Turkish Flatbread: Complete your Turkish feast with a side of warm, pillowy Turkish flatbread. Tear off pieces of the soft, fluffy bread and use them to scoop up the tender chicken and flavorful marinade, creating a deliciously satisfying bite that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Minty Lemonade: Wash down the bold flavors of the Turkish Chicken Wings with a refreshing glass of minty lemonade. Infused with fresh mint leaves and tangy lemon juice, this cooling beverage provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the marinade for a zesty kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these Turkish Chicken Wings?

These Turkish Chicken Wings have a moderate level of spiciness, thanks to the crushed chillies and hot pepper paste in the marinade. However, you can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences by reducing or increasing the amount of these ingredients accordingly.

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to use chicken drumsticks instead of wings. Simply follow the same instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure that the drumsticks are cooked through.

Can I grill these chicken wings instead of baking them?

Yes, you can definitely grill these Turkish Chicken Wings for a delicious smoky flavor. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the wings for about 15-20 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and charred to your liking.

How long should I marinate the chicken wings for?

For best results, it’s recommended to marinate the chicken wings for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in tender, flavorful wings. However, if you’re short on time, even a brief 30-minute marination will still yield delicious results.

Can I make these chicken wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken wings ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or grill them. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining, as you can simply pop them in the oven or onto the grill whenever you’re ready to eat.

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Turkish Chicken Wings

Turkish Chicken Wings

by Nabeela Kauser
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the vibrant and scrumptious Turkish chicken wings! Tantalize your senses with this richly-spiced, yoghurt-marinated delight that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Istanbul.
5 from 28 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Appetiser
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 6
Calories 261 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Chicken Wings
  • 50 g Yoghurt
  • 1 tsp Sumac
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Crushed Chillies
  • 3 tbsp Hot Pepper Paste Biber Salçasi
  • 1 Cumin Powder
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 tsp Paprika

Instructions

  • In a bowl add the yoghurt, sumac, salt, crushed chillies, hot pepper paste, cumin powder, olive oil, garlic paste and paprika then mix all the ingredients together until well combined
  • Add the chicken wings and coat the wings with the marinade evenly
  • Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best results as this will ensure maximum flavour and juicy chicken
  • Place a single layer of the chicken wings on top of a baking tray with a wire rack
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 6 for 20 minutes
  • Baste with melted butter or oil then flip the wings over and bake for a further 20 minutes
  • Pair with a bowl of steamed rice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 17gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 465mgPotassium: 207mgFibre: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 285IUVitamin C: 4mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Appetiser, Chicken, Chicken Wings, Cooking, Food, Party Food, Recipe, Snack
Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!

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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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