Chicken & Rice With Chickpeas – The King of Turkish Street Food!

In Turkey, there is no shortage of street foods, each offering a unique experience. Whether you are in a rush, grabbing a crispy simit, indulging in flavorful lahmacun, or savoring spicy çiğköfte, the streets are always alive with delicious options. But few bring the same comfort as Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav—a simple yet satisfying plate of Chicken Rice with chickpeas. This beloved dish is found on nearly every corner, especially in commercial areas and near shops, catering to workers who need a quick, healthy lunch. As a local Turkish lady, I have explored countless places in Istanbul, but nothing compares to the experience of enjoying Rice Pilav with Chicken & Chickpeas in Bayrampaşa (Bayrampasha), where tradition and taste come together in every bite.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav

• 2 cups of long-grain rice, thoroughly soaked in hot salty water for the best texture.
• 1 whole chicken, using all parts except the breast, which I used to make Chicken Doner for another meal.
• 1+1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
• 2 heaped tbsp butter, melting into the rice for a delicious aroma and taste.
• 4-5 tbsp olive oil, ensuring the rice is perfectly coated and flavorful.
• 1 tsp or more salt, balancing the flavors to perfection.
• 2 cups stock from the chicken, giving the rice a deep and authentic taste.
• 1 cup hot water, helping the rice cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
• Ground black pepper, sprinkled generously before serving for a warm, spicy touch.
• Serve it fresh and hot for the best experience, just like it’s enjoyed on the streets of Turkey.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Long-grain rice	2 cups	For a fluffy texture
Whole chicken	1	Used for tender meat and rich stock
Cooked chickpeas	1 ½ cups	Adds a nutty flavor
Butter	2 tbsp	For a delicious aroma
Olive oil	4-5 tbsp	Ensures the rice is well-coated
Salt	1 tsp or more	Enhances flavor
Chicken stock	2 cups	Gives the rice an authentic taste
Hot water	1 cup	Helps rice cook evenly
Ground black pepper	As needed	Adds warmth and spice

“Cooking is love made visible.” – Unknown

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkish Chicken Rice

1. Boil a whole chicken in salty water, and if you like, add black peppers and bay leaves for extra flavor. I separated the breast to make Chicken Doner, but if you want more, you can use the whole chicken.
   
2. Meanwhile, soak the rice in almost hot water with tsp salt in a bowl for at least an hour. This ensures the rice absorbs enough moisture for the perfect texture.
   
3. Transfer the boiled chicken to a big tray, then separate the meat from the bones once it has cooled enough to handle. Try to make small pieces for easy mixing. Keep cooked chickpeas ready—I used some from the freezer, but canned ones work too.
   
4. Prepare the soaked rice by washing and rinsing it a couple of times until the starch is left out. Drain completely to remove excess water.
   
5. In a wide pan, melt butter and add olive oil before sautéing the rice for about 5 minutes on medium heat. This enhances the flavor and texture.
   
6. Add 2 cups stock from the boiled chicken, 1 cup hot water, and mix it along with cooked chickpeas and chicken pieces on top. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on very low heat until the rice is perfectly done.

How to Tell When Your Rice Is Fully Cooked

1. Check after 10-12 minutes by opening a gap in the rice using a skimmer spoon. Taste a few grains to see if they are still hard.
   
2. If the rice is not fully soaked in water, drizzle more hot water and cook a little longer. Cooking time can change depending on the type of rice used.
   
3. Turn off the heat and let it rest without stirring for 10 minutes to allow the rice to settle.
   
4. Open the lid and gently stir by folding from bottom to top with a skimmer spoon, then let it rest for another few minutes.
   

Step	Action
Check	After 10-12 minutes, open a gap using a skimmer spoon to see if the rice is soaked.
Taste	Try a few grains; if they are still hard, drizzle more hot water and cook longer.
Turn off heat	Let the rice rest without stirring for 10 minutes to absorb moisture.
Open lid & stir	Gently stir from bottom to top with a skimmer spoon. Let it rest again for a few more minutes.
Enjoy	Serve with lots of ground black pepper and ayran (yogurt drink) for an authentic taste.

“The best memories are made around the table.” – Unknown

5. Enjoy chicken rice with chickpeas and season with lots of ground black pepper. It’s best served with ayran (yogurt drink) and, traditionally, we serve it by pressing the rice into a medium-size bowl, turning it onto a plate, and adding more chicken pieces on top.
   

A Taste of Turkish Streets: The Experience of Eating This Dish

Walking through the streets of Istanbul, you’ll often find food stalls serving Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav late into the night. Vendors carefully scoop steaming Rice Pilav with Chicken & Chickpeas onto plates, often serving it with a side of pickled peppers or tomatoes for extra flavor. This dish is not just a meal—it’s a tradition passed down for generations, enjoyed by students, workers, and tourists alike.

Why Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav Is a Favorite in Turkey

Unlike heavier street foods like doner kebab or lahmacun, this dish offers a light yet filling option that’s both nutritious and affordable. The combination of soft rice, tender chicken, and nutty chickpeas makes it a go-to choice for a quick and satisfying lunch. It’s also considered a comfort food, bringing back childhood memories for many Turks who grew up eating it at home or from street vendors.

“Food is the ingredient that binds us together.” – Unknown

Expert Tips for Achieving the Perfect Rice Pilav

To get the best texture, always rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate. Using homemade chicken stock instead of plain water will enhance the flavor, making every bite rich and savory. Another secret is to let the rice rest after cooking—this allows it to absorb any remaining moisture and results in the perfect fluffy texture.

Serving It the Traditional Way: How to Enjoy It Like a Local

For an authentic experience, serve this dish piled high on a plate, topped with extra chicken pieces. Many locals enjoy it with ayran (a cold yogurt drink), which balances the flavors beautifully. If you want to try it like they do in Istanbul, eat it with a spoon straight from a shallow bowl, just as it’s served in small street-side food stalls.

“Delicious food becomes even more enjoyable when shared with great friends.” – Unknown

Frequently asked questions?

What is Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav

Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav is a popular Turkish street food dish made with rice, chicken, and chickpeas, often served with black pepper and ayran (a yogurt drink).

Why is this dish so popular in Turkey?

It is a light yet filling meal that is affordable, nutritious, and easy to find on street corners, making it a go-to option for workers, students, and tourists.

What type of rice is best for making this dish?

Long-grain rice is ideal as it stays fluffy and separate when cooked properly. Soaking it in hot, salty water beforehand helps achieve the perfect texture.

Is it okay to use canned chickpeas instead of freshly cooked ones?

Yes, canned chickpeas work fine. Just rinse and drain them well before adding them to the dish.

How can I make the rice extra flavorful?

Using homemade chicken stock instead of plain water enhances the richness of the dish. Sautéing the rice in butter and olive oil also adds depth to the flavor.

How can I tell if the rice is completely cooked?

After 10-12 minutes, check by opening a gap in the rice with a spoon and tasting a few grains. If they are still hard, add a little more hot water and cook longer.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, but using a whole chicken provides a richer broth, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this meal?

It is traditionally served with ayran (a yogurt-based drink), pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How is this dish typically served on the streets of Turkey?

Vendors often press the rice into a bowl, flip it onto a plate, and top it with extra pieces of chicken, serving it with pickled peppers or tomatoes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The rice can be reheated easily, but for the best taste and texture, let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before serving.

 Conclusion

Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav is more than just a beloved street food in Turkey; it is a dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of Turkish cuisine. Its simple yet flavorful combination of tender chicken, nutty chickpeas, and perfectly cooked rice makes it a staple for locals and a must-try for visitors. Whether enjoyed from a street vendor in Istanbul or prepared at home, this dish offers a taste of Turkish culture in every bite. Served with ayran and seasoned with black pepper, it brings people together over a warm, satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.