Chicken Beyti | A Flavor Packed Turkish Delight

If you’re craving a Turkish dish that delivers bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and healthier ingredients, Chicken Beyti is the perfect recipe to try.

This deliciously seasoned ground chicken wrapped in filo pastry and served with yogurt and spiced tomato sauce is a standout in Turkish cuisine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Chicken Beyti kebab from its origins and ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, variations, and expert tips to make it perfect every time.

What Is Chicken Beyti?

Chicken Beyti also known as beyti chicken or chicken beyti kebab is a traditional Turkish dish that combines the bold aromatic flavors of seasoned chicken with a crisp pastry wrap and rich sauces.

It’s a delightful fusion of juicy chicken kofta, buttery pastry, and creamy yogurt often served with tomato sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Originating from Turkey and named after the famous Turkish chef Beyti Güler, this dish is a modern twist on the classic lamb beyti, using ground chicken for a healthier lighter option.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Beyti Kebab Recipe

Bursting with flavor: Each bite is a perfect mix of savory chicken, herbs, and spices.

Healthier than traditional kebabs: Lean ground chicken makes it lighter and high in protein.

Eye catching presentation: Rolled, baked, and sliced for a beautiful, restaurant quality dish.

Versatile serving options: Perfect with rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or simply on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Filling (Kofta):

1 kg ground chicken
2 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
3 tbsp fresh mint (finely chopped)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper

For the Herby Glaze:

4 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
10 sprigs parsley (finely chopped)
½ cup water
½ tsp salt
½ tsp chili flakes

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 ¼ cups passata (500g)
7 tbsp butter (98g)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (30ml)
Salt & black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

6 sheets filo pastry (240g)
1 ¾ cups Greek yogurt (500g)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Flour (for dusting)
Optional: sumac, paprika, or Aleppo pepper for garnish

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowls
Food processor (for chopping herbs and pepper)
Frying pan or cast iron griddle
Baking tray
Pastry brush
Oven preheated to 180°C (350°F)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Chicken Kofta

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, chopped red pepper, mint, and all the spices.
Mix and knead the mixture for 2–3 minutes until well blended.
Heat a frying pan with a little oil over medium heat.
Stir-fry the chicken mixture for 5–6 minutes until partially cooked. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Herby Glaze

In a small saucepan, add oil, garlic, parsley, water, salt, and chili flakes.

Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

Make the Tomato Sauce

Combine passata, butter, and balsamic vinegar in a saucepan.

Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thick and glossy.

Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Chicken Beyti

Lightly flour a clean surface and lay out two sheets of filo pastry.

Brush with the herby glaze.

Add one-third of the chicken mixture in a straight line across the pastry.

Roll tightly into a sausage shape and place it on a greased baking tray.

Repeat to make three rolls in total.

Brush the outside of each roll with more herby glaze.

Bake and Serve

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.

Slice each roll into bite sized pieces.

Arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on a serving platter.

Spoon yogurt into the center and drizzle tomato sauce around the edges.

Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle sumac or paprika on top.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Beyti

Delicious Sides to Pair With Beyti Chicken

Turkish Rice Pilaf
Mediterranean salad
Grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers
Cacık (Turkish yogurt with cucumber, garlic, and mint)
Flatbread or lavash

Popular Substitutions and Variations

Protein: Swap ground chicken with ground lamb, beef, or turkey.
Pastry: Use tortilla wraps or lavash instead of filo pastry.
Cheese: Add grated kaşar cheese or mozzarella to the tomato sauce for richness.
Spices: Enhance with cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, or turmeric for deeper flavor.

BBQ Version of Chicken Beyti Kebab

Traditional Turkish Beyti kebab is grilled over hot charcoal for a smoky flavor. Here’s how you can replicate it:

Shape the raw chicken mixture around metal or wooden skewers.
Grill on a hot BBQ or cast iron griddle for 8–10 minutes, turning frequently.
Wrap the grilled kofta in lavash or tortillas.
Serve with yogurt and tomato sauce as above.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Beyti

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked beyti for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through and crispy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~583
Protein	~31g
Fat	~42g
Carbs	~23g
Sugar	~6.5g
Fiber	~2.1g
Sodium	~922mg

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine or just looking to try something new, chicken beyti is a standout dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and textures.

From its rich tomato sauce to its creamy yogurt dip and crispy pastry wrap, this dish truly brings the best of Middle Eastern comfort food to your kitchen.

With its vibrant spices, easy preparation, and gorgeous presentation, chicken beyti kebab is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.

FAQs

What is Chicken Beyti Kebab made of?

It’s made of seasoned ground chicken shaped into koftas, wrapped in filo pastry or flatbread, baked or grilled, and served with yogurt and tomato sauce.