Chicken Tantuni Recipe

Chicken Tantuni Recipe and Its Place in Turkish Cuisine

Chicken tantuni is one of the most beloved street foods in Turkish cuisine. Particularly popular in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, this dish is known for its practicality and satisfying flavour. Chicken tantuni is prepared by sautéing finely chopped chicken in special butter and spices, then served with flatbread. Its mildly spicy, lemony, and aromatic taste makes it an ideal choice for both lunch and a 28th day iftar menu.

Tantuni originates from Mersin and is traditionally made with beef, but the chicken version offers a lighter and quicker alternative. Considering it as a Ramadan recipe, it brings a different touch and a practical solution to iftar tables. Especially after long hours of fasting, chicken tantuni is easy to digest and provides a fulfilling culinary experience.

Chicken tantuni is regarded as a classic street food that can be brought to modern home tables. When served with tomatoes, peppers, and fresh lemon, it provides both a visual and flavourful delight. Additionally, for those who wish to prepare it at home, the recipe is simple and can be easily chosen as the main course for a 28th day iftar menu.

Chicken Tantuni Recipe

Making chicken tantuni at home is straightforward, with simple ingredients and steps. Here is a recipe you can easily prepare:

Ingredients

500 grams chicken breast (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon
4 flatbreads
Parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

After chopping the chicken breast, mix it with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. For a more aromatic flavour, you can marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes. This step enhances the taste of the chicken and creates an impressive flavour for a Ramadan recipe.

Preparing the Vegetables

Finely chop the onion and peppers. Keeping the vegetables fresh and crisp adds both colour and aroma to the tantuni. This detail is especially important for offering a light yet satisfying meal at iftar.

Cooking the Chicken

Melt the butter in a large pan and add the chicken. Once the chicken starts to brown slightly, add the onions and peppers. Sauté over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken tantuni is a quick and nutritious main course option, particularly suitable for a 28th day iftar menu.

Serving with Flatbread

Place the cooked chicken tantuni inside the flatbread. Squeeze fresh lemon on top and garnish with parsley. You can serve it alongside yoghurt or ayran if desired. This recipe is perfect as a classic Ramadan recipe, suitable for home or special iftar gatherings.

Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out and losing its flavour.
Adjust the spices to taste; red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat if desired.
For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat flatbread instead of regular flatbread.

Kitchen Hygiene During Ramadan: Be Cautious of Bacterial Growth in Leftover Meals

During Ramadan, meals left for long periods can be susceptible to bacterial growth. Proper storage of dishes like chicken tantuni, especially for a 28th day iftar menu, is essential for food safety.

Serve Hot Meals Immediately

Leaving chicken tantuni at room temperature for long periods creates an ideal environment for bacteria. Serving meals hot preserves flavour and ensures safety.

Refrigeration

If you need to store leftovers in the fridge, avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than two hours. Protein-rich dishes like chicken tantuni can promote the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella if not stored at the correct temperature.

Reheating and Consumption

Before consuming refrigerated tantuni, make sure to heat it thoroughly. Quickly reheating the meal in a microwave or on the stove reduces bacterial risks. This step is critical for families preparing a Ramadan recipe.