Experience the taste of Turkey with Chicken Iskender, a delectable dish that combines succulent chicken slices over a bed of pita bread, all lavishly covered in a flavorful tomato sauce and melted butter. This dish, named after its inventor İskender Efendi, is a staple in Turkish cuisine and offers a unique blend of textures and flavors, topped off with a refreshing touch of yogurt.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 plate
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced: 600g (1.32 pounds or 21 ounces)
- Pita bread: 4 pieces
- Tomato sauce: 240ml (1 cup)
- Butter: 60g (¼ cup)
- Plain yogurt: 200g (7 ounces)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 2 (about 10g)
- Olive oil: 30ml (2 tablespoons)
- Paprika: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat tomato sauce and adjust seasoning.
- Toast Pita: Lightly toast pita bread and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan.
- Assemble: Place toasted pita at the bottom of each plate. Top with chicken slices, pour tomato sauce, and then melted butter over it.
- Serve with Yogurt: Serve each plate with a side of yogurt mixed with minced garlic.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Slice Chicken Thinly: Thin slices ensure the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Don't Overcook the Pita: Toast the pita bread until just crisp to avoid it becoming too hard.
- Butter Quality: Use good quality butter for the best flavor.