Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama) – A One-Pot Classic?

The aroma of chicken kapama fills the kitchen as I get everything prepared for a comforting meal. I always start with the dinner rolls since they need time to rise and take shape before baking. By the second proof, they are ready to go into the oven. That’s when I place the chicken kapama in as well, allowing everything to bake together perfectly. As the golden crust forms and the flavors deepen, the anticipation builds. It just takes patience to achieve that delicious, tender bite, and when it’s time to pop everything out of the oven, the result is simply irresistible.You can also try our easy Turkish meatballs for a delicious variation of a hearty meal.”

Homemade Dinner Rolls – Soft & Fluffy Perfection

Essential Ingredients for Easy Dinner Rolls

• Start by mixing 1 cup lukewarm water and 1 cup milk to create the perfect base for the dough.For another bread recipe, check out our Ultimate Guide to Homemade Sourdough Bread.”
• Add 1 tbsp sugar and 20gr fresh yeast (or active dry yeast if preferred) to help it rise.
• Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
• For a deeper taste, mix in 1-2 cups siyez wheat flour—an optional ingredient for extra flavor.
• Pour in 2 tbsp olive oil, making the dough rich and tender.
• Sprinkle 2 tsp salt to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
• Knead everything well until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Let it rest until it doubles in size, then shape into rolls and bake to golden perfection.

Ingredient	Quantity
Lukewarm water	1 cup
Milk	1 cup
Sugar	1 tbsp
Fresh yeast (or active dry yeast)	20g
All-purpose flour	4 cups
Siyez wheat flour (optional)	1-2 cups
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Salt	2 tsp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dinner Rolls

1. Start with a simple yeast dough by mixing in a bowl lukewarm water, milk, sugar, and 20g fresh yeast (or active dry yeast if you use that option). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add all-purpose flour, siyez wheat flour (an optional ingredient for added flavor), olive oil, and salt. The last 1/2 to 1 cup of flour should be added gradually since the amount the dough can take may change depending on the flour type.
3. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
4. Shape into small balls and place them on a greased baking tray or in a round non-stick pan with enough space so they can touch slightly while rising and remain soft.
5. Allow them to rest for about 30-45 minutes or speed up the process by placing them in a warm, preheated oven at 70°C (158°F) for faster rising.
6. Preheat the oven to 200C, brush the tops of the bread with water, and bake until golden brown, which takes about 25 minutes.

Tavuk Kapama – A Traditional Turkish Delight

For a traditional Turkish dish, Tavuk Kapama is made with whole chicken, ensuring a deep, flavorful broth that enhances the rice. Many prefer excluding the breast for a richer taste, but you can cut the chicken into parts if desired or simply use drumsticks for convenience. Slow cooking brings out the best flavors, making this dish a comforting and satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for Turkish Chicken & Rice

1. 1 whole chicken, or 7-8 drumsticks, for deep flavor.
2. Excluding the breast makes the broth richer.
3. 1 medium onion, quarter, to enhance aroma.
4. 2-3 bay leaves and 1 tsp peppercorns for earthy notes.
5. Salt to taste, balancing all flavors.
6. Place chicken pieces in a pressure cooker or regular pot with water.
7. Cook about 15 minutes on medium, or simmer until tender.
8. Let naturally release, then take out and set aside for the dish.
9. Also using broth to cook rice for extra taste.

Preparing the Chicken for Tavuk Kapama

Ingredients:

• 2+1/2 cups rice, soaked in warm, salty water for 30 minutes to 2 hours
• 1 medium onion, diced for added aroma
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for sautéing
• 2 tbsp olive oil for richness
• 1/2 tsp black pepper for depth of flavor
• 1/2 tsp allspice for a warm, earthy taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar to balance flavors
• 1+1/2 tsp salt for seasoning
• 3+3/4 cups chicken broth or a mix of broth and water
• Butter for a creamy, delicious finish

Ingredient	Quantity
Rice, soaked in warm salty water	2½ cups
Medium onion, diced	1
Vegetable oil	2 tbsp
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Allspice	½ tsp
Sugar	½ tsp
Salt	1½ tsp
Butter	2 tbsp
Chicken broth	3¾ cups

To begin, heat a pan and sauté 1 diced onion in a mix of vegetable oil and olive oil for a couple of minutes. Then, add the soaked and drained rice and stir for a few minutes. Season the rice with 1/2 tsp black pepper, allspice, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add 2 tbsp butter and stir until it melts. Once done, transfer everything to a baking dish and arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top, making sure the skin side is up.

• Heat a pan and sauté 1 diced onion in vegetable oil and olive oil.
• Add the soaked and drained rice, then stir for a few minutes.
• Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, allspice, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt.
• Stir in 2 tbsp butter and wait until it melts.
• Transfer the rice to a baking dish.
• Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top, with the skin side up.

Baking the Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama):

To make this delicious dish, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, combine 2 1/2 cups rice with 3 3/4 cups chicken broth, making sure to evenly distribute the liquid. Carefully add the tender, flavorful chicken on top. Let it bake for about 30-35 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken turns beautifully browned and tender, creating a dish rich in taste and tradition.

“Domatesli Şehriye Çorbası” Tomato Orzo Soup:

Ingredients For Tomato Vermicelli Soup:

• 1+1/2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 large grated tomato (or up to 3)
• 1 liter chicken broth
• 1 cup vermicelli pasta or orzo
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Handful of chopped parsley (optional garnish)

A comforting tomato-heavy soup pairs perfectly with Turkish Chicken & Rice, adding warmth and richness to the meal. Start by sautéing a mix of vegetable oil and olive oil, then stir in 1+1/2 tbsp tomato paste. Next, add 1 large grated tomato, or up to 3 if you prefer a stronger tomato flavor.

 Once the tomatoes break down into a sauce, pour in 1 liter chicken broth from the Tavuk Kapama recipe to enhance the taste. Stir in 1 cup vermicelli pasta or orzo, allowing it to cook until soft. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then turn off the heat and let the soup rest for about 10-15 minutes. As a final touch, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley for freshness.If you enjoy soups, try our Turkish Menemen for another flavorful dish.”

Shepherd Salad:

Ingredients For Shepherd Salad:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Optional: sumac or pomegranate molasses for extra flavor

Ingredient	Quantity
Cucumber, sliced	1
Tomatoes, chopped	2
Green pepper, chopped	1
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Salt	To taste
Sumac or pomegranate molasses (optional)	To taste

A fresh Shepherd Salad is the perfect companion to Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama). To prepare this light and crisp dish, start by slicing 1 cucumber and chopping 2 tomatoes with 1 green pepper. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt to taste. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle sumac or drizzle pomegranate molasses over the top. This simple yet refreshing salad helps elevate the meal with its bright and zesty taste.Pair this with Turkish Lahmacun for a perfect combo.”

Shepherd Salad – Slightly Missing Some Variations:

• In one part, you mentioned “Shepherd Salad”, but the optional second drizzle of olive oil was missing in one instance.
• The original ingredient list specified sumac and pomegranate molasses as optional, but the phrase “for extra flavor” was missing in one variation.

Tomato Orzo Soup – Some Phrasing Inconsistencies:

Some phrases differ slightly from the original, such as “1+1/2 tbsp tomato paste” and “1 liter chicken broth,” which should remain the same.

Dinner Rolls – Minor Structural Changes:

The proofing and rising details are present but could be structured more clearly to align with the original instructions.

Tavuk Kapama Rice Baking – Broth-Rice Ratio Details Slightly Altered:

The specific explanation of the broth-to-rice ratio (“Every cup of rice needs 1 and 1/2 cups of broth”) was not clearly emphasized in one section.

Serving Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama):

Once everything is ready, serve up the Tavuk Kapama on a platter with the tomato soup and freshly baked dinner rolls on the side. Pair it with a vibrant shepherd salad for a complete Turkish feast that’s both satisfying and delicious.For a different type of Turkish bread, check out our Turkish Börek.”

Ingredients

For the Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama):

• Use a whole chicken or 7-8 drumsticks for better flavor.
• A medium onion, quartered, enhances the broth.
• Add 2-3 bay leaves for a subtle earthy aroma.
• Sprinkle 1 tsp peppercorns to create warmth in the dish.
• Season with salt to taste for a balanced flavor.

Rice:

• Soak 2+1/2 cups rice in warm, salty water for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
• Dice 1 medium onion to add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan for a rich, balanced flavor.
• Sauté the onion until soft and translucent to enhance the taste.
• Add 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp allspice for a warm, earthy aroma.
• Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sugar to balance the savory flavors.
• Season with 1+1/2 tsp salt to bring out the best taste in the rice.
• Melt 2 tbsp butter into the mixture for extra richness.
• Pour 3+3/4 cups chicken broth or a mix of water and broth for the perfect texture.
• Simmer the rice until fluffy and full of flavor, making it a perfect base for Tavuk Kapama.

Yeast Rolls:

• Mix 1 cup lukewarm water with 1 cup milk to create a soft dough base.
• Add 1 tbsp sugar and 20 gr fresh yeast or active dry yeast if preferred for a perfect rise.
• Combine with 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1-2 cups siyez wheat flour for an extra flavor option.
• Pour in 2 tbsp olive oil to make the dough soft and rich.
• Knead the mixture well until smooth and let it rise in a warm place.
• Shape into small rolls and allow them to proof until doubled in size.
• Bake until golden and enjoy soft, fluffy rolls with your meal.

Tomato Vermicelli Soup:

• Heat 1+1/2 tbsp tomato paste in a pot to bring out its deep flavor.
• Add 1 large tomato grated for a fresh and rich taste, or up to 3 for a more tomato-heavy soup.
• Pour in 1 liter chicken broth to enhance the depth of the dish.
• Stir in 1 cup vermicelli pasta or orzo and let it cook until soft.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste for a perfect balance.
• For a final touch, add a handful of chopped parsley as an optional garnish.
• Let the soup simmer, then turn off the heat and serve warm.

Shepherd Salad:

• 1 medium size cucumber should be sliced thin for a refreshing crunch.
• 2 big tomatoes, chopped finely, add juiciness and a bright color.
• 1 green pepper, chopped to bring a mild heat and balance the flavors.
• 1 tbsp olive oil drizzled for a smooth and rich taste.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice enhances the freshness with a citrusy kick.
• Salt to taste ensures the perfect seasoning.
• For extra flavor, you can add another 1 tbsp olive oil over the salad.

Instructions

Dinner rolls are very easy to make

1. Mixing the ingredients in a bowl is the first step. Combine water, milk, sugar, and yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add all-purpose flour, siyez wheat flour, olive oil, and salt. The last 1/2 to 1 cup of flour should be added gradually since the amount of water it can take may change depending on the type of flour.
3. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover it and allow it to rise until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the small balls of dough and place them on a greased baking tray or in a round non-stick pan. Leave space between them so they can rise properly.
5. Let the rolls remain soft as they bake by allowing them to rest for about 30-45 minutes.
6. If short on time, place them in a warm oven preheated to 70°C (158°F) to speed up the rising process.
7. Preheat the oven to 200C. Brush the tops of the bread rolls with water before baking.
8. Bake until they turn golden in color, which usually takes 25 minutes.

TAVUK KAPAMA (Chicken Kapama)

1. Use a whole chicken without the breast for a more flavorful broth. If desired, cut it into parts or use drumsticks.
2. Place the pieces in a pressure cooker or a regular pot with water. Add 2-3 bay leaves, 1 onion (quartered), tsp of peppercorns, and salt to taste.
3. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes in a pressure cooker or simmer in a regular pot until the chicken is tender.
4. Let the pressure naturally release before removing the chicken from the broth.
5. Take the chicken out and set it aside for the dish while using the broth to prepare the rice.
6. This method enhances the flavorful blend of chicken and rice, making Tavuk Kapama a must-try recipe.

Preparing the Rice:

1. Soak 1 cup rice in warm salty water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to achieve a fluffy texture. This step helps the grains cook evenly.
2. Heat a pan and sauté 1 diced onion in a mix of vegetable oil and olive oil for a couple of minutes. Then, add the soaked and drained rice and stir for a few minutes.
3. Season the rice with black pepper, all spice, sugar, and salt to enhance the flavor.
4. Add 2 tbsp butter and stir until it melts. Then, transfer to a baking dish and arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top, keeping the skin side up for extra crispiness.
5. For the Baking Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama), carefully measure the broth-to-rice ratio for the best texture.
6. Every cup of rice needs 1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth. Since this recipe uses 2 and 1/2 cups rice, pour in 3 and 3/4 cups broth before baking.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is beautifully browned and the rice is tender.You could also try our Spinach Mushroom Casserole for a quick and healthy dish.”

How to Prepare a Flavorful Shepherd Salad

1. Start by sautéing 2 tbsp of tomato paste in a mix of vegetable oil and olive oil for a deep, rich taste.
2. Add 1 grated tomato or up to 3, depending on how tomato-heavy you prefer your tomato soup.
3. Let the tomatoes break down into a smooth sauce, then pour in leftover chicken broth from the Tavuk Kapama recipe along with more water if needed.
4. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to enhance its flavor.
5. Stir in 1 cup of vermicelli or orzo pasta and cook until the pasta turns soft.
6. Turn off the heat, let the soup rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
7. As a final touch, add a handful of chopped parsley for freshness and a vibrant finish.

Serving Turkish Chicken & Rice – The Complete Meal

1. To complete the meal, a fresh and vibrant Shepherd Salad pairs perfectly with Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama). Start by slicing 1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, and 1 green pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt to taste. To elevate the flavor, add a sprinkle of sumac or a touch of pomegranate molasses on top.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use only all-purpose flour instead of adding siyez wheat flour?

Yes, you can make the rolls using only all-purpose flour. Siyez wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, but it’s optional.

Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh or active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute 20g of fresh yeast with about 7g (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast. There’s no need to activate it in warm liquid beforehand—just mix it directly with the flour.

How long should I knead the dough for best results?

Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, making the rolls light and fluffy.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size, which typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours at room temperature. You can check by pressing a finger into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready.

Can I speed up the rising process?

Yes, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (around 70°C / 158°F) to shorten the proofing time to 30-45 minutes.

What can I use instead of olive oil?

You can use melted butter or vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Should I brush the rolls with egg wash before baking?

This recipe suggests brushing with water, but you can use an egg wash (beaten egg with a little milk) for a shinier and more golden crust.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How do I store leftover dinner rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Try adding garlic powder, rosemary, or shredded cheese for a delicious variation.

conclusion:

Turkish Chicken & Rice (Tavuk Kapama) is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender, aromatic chicken and perfectly seasoned rice in a harmonious blend of taste and tradition. Paired with fluffy homemade dinner rolls, a warm bowl of tomato orzo soup, and a refreshing shepherd salad, this meal offers a complete and satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, the rich flavors and simple preparation make it a must-try dish. With every bite, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of Turkish cuisine, making it a recipe to treasure and share.