Turkish Style Chicken by (YES I CAN COOK)

Here’s a recipe for **Turkish-Style Chicken** inspired by rich Turkish flavors. It’s aromatic, juicy, and loaded with Mediterranean spices, perfect for a wholesome and delicious meal.

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### **Ingredients**
#### For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken thighs or drumsticks (skinless)
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon

#### For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges

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### **Instructions**

#### **1. Marinate the Chicken:**
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, tomato paste, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for maximum flavor).

#### **2. Cook the Chicken:**
**Option 1: Grill**
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a nice char.

**Option 2: Oven-Bake**
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the chicken pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

**Option 3: Pan-Fry**
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly crispy.

#### **3. Serve:**
- Arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

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### **Serving Suggestions**
- Pair with Turkish pilaf, flatbread, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
- Serve alongside a creamy garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki for dipping.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
- **Bursting with flavor:** The yogurt and spices make the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
- **Versatile cooking options:** Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, the results are always delicious.
- **Authentic Turkish touch:** The combination of spices and lemon captures the essence of Turkish cuisine.

Enjoy your Turkish-Style Chicken feast! Let me know how it turns out! 😊