Circassian chicken

🐥Circassian Chicken (Çerkez Tavuğu) Recipe – A Taste of North Cyprus

If you’re exploring the rich cuisine of North Cyprus, one dish you cannot miss is Circassian Chicken (Çerkez Tavuğu). This traditional recipe has roots in the Caucasus but has been lovingly adopted into Cypriot and Turkish kitchens, becoming a firm favourite for mezze tables, family gatherings, and festive occasions.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the history of Circassian Chicken, why it’s so popular in Northern Cyprus, and a step-by-step recipe to make this creamy, nutty, and deeply satisfying dish at home.
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❓What is Circassian Chicken?

Circassian Chicken, or Çerkez Tavuğu, is a cold mezze dish made from shredded chicken, blended with a rich walnut and garlic sauce, and topped with paprika-infused oil. It’s smooth, savoury, and bursting with flavour, making it a perfect appetiser or side dish.

In Northern Cyprus, this dish often appears alongside hummus, halloumi, and stuffed vine leaves, offering a taste of both Mediterranean freshness and Turkish tradition.
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😋Why Circassian Chicken is Popular in North Cyprus

• Perfect Mezze Dish – Mezze culture is at the heart of North Cypriot dining, and Circassian Chicken holds a special place on the table.

• Nutritious & Filling – Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from walnuts, it’s both wholesome and satisfying.

• Easy to Make Ahead – Served cold, it can be prepared in advance for dinner parties, BBQs, or family feasts.

• Cultural Heritage – The Circassian diaspora brought the dish to the Ottoman Empire, where it became a treasured recipe across Turkey and Cyprus.
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🥗Ingredients for Circassian Chicken (Serves 4–6)

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavour)
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 bay leaves
• 150g walnuts (toasted for extra depth)
• 2 slices of stale bread (crusts removed)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 3–4 tbsp chicken stock (from boiling the chicken)

For the garnish:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (or Aleppo pepper)
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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Recipe

👉Cook the Chicken
• Place chicken breasts in a saucepan with onion, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt.
• Cover with water and simmer for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
• Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred finely. Reserve the stock.

👉Make the Walnut Sauce
• In a food processor, blend walnuts, garlic, bread, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Gradually add chicken stock until you achieve a creamy paste.

👉Combine
• Fold the shredded chicken into the walnut sauce until fully coated.

👉Garnish
• Heat olive oil in a pan, add paprika, and stir for 20 seconds (don’t burn it).
• Drizzle the infused oil over the chicken mixture.

👉Serve
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve as part of a mezze platter, spread on warm pita bread, or alongside fresh salads.
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📝Tips for the Perfect Circassian Chicken
• Toast your walnuts – This deepens the nutty flavour.
• Use thighs for juiciness – Breasts are traditional, but thighs stay moist.
• Adjust consistency – Add more stock for a looser spread, less for a thicker dip.
• Pair it well – Goes beautifully with Cypriot pita, olives, and a glass of cold white wine.

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🍽️Circassian Chicken in North Cyprus Restaurants

You’ll find Çerkez Tavuğu served in many traditional taverns (meyhanes) and restaurants across Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta. It’s a favourite among locals and tourists who enjoy mezze culture. If you’re travelling through Northern Cyprus, be sure to ask for it by name – it’s often one of the hidden gems on the mezze table.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Circassian Chicken is more than just a dish – it’s a celebration of culture, history, and flavour. Whether you’re visiting North Cyprus or recreating its food traditions at home, this recipe will transport you straight to a mezze table by the Mediterranean.

So next time you’re planning a dinner party or mezze night, add Çerkez Tavuğu to your menu – your guests will love it!