Tavuklu Börek

🥟Tavuklu Börek – A Savoury Taste of North Cyprus

Tavuklu Börek, or Chicken Börek, is a beloved savoury pastry from North Cyprus, combining tender shredded chicken, flaky layers of handmade or ready-made pastry, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. A staple at family gatherings, picnics, and village festivals, this golden, crispy pastry reflects the heart of Cypriot home cooking — simple, comforting, and bursting with flavour.

If you’re looking to recreate an authentic Tavuklu Börek recipe from North Cyprus, this guide will take you through every step — from preparing the filling to baking it to perfection.
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🥗Ingredients for Tavuklu Börek

Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional North Cypriot Tavuklu Börek:

For the Dough (optional – you can use ready-made yufka or filo pastry):
• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup lukewarm water

For the Filling:
• 2 chicken breasts (boiled and shredded)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

For Assembling:
• ½ cup melted butter or olive oil for brushing layers
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame or nigella seeds (optional, for topping)
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👨‍🍳How to Make Tavuklu Börek – Step-by-Step Instructions

🍳 Prepare the Chicken Filling
• Boil the chicken breasts in salted water until tender, then shred them finely.
• In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
• Add the shredded chicken, mint, pepper, paprika, and salt.
• Mix well and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

🥣 Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch)
• Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
• Add the egg, olive oil, and water gradually, kneading until you form a soft dough.
• Divide into small balls, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 20 minutes.
• Roll out each ball thinly using a rolling pin or oklava.

🐓Assemble the Börek
• Grease your baking tray and lay one sheet of pastry.
• Brush it generously with melted butter or olive oil.
• Layer another sheet on top, brushing again between each layer.
• Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the middle layers.
• Add the remaining pastry sheets, brushing each one with butter.
• Finish with a final layer, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds if desired.

🔳Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares or triangles.

🍽️Serving Suggestions
Tavuklu Börek is best served warm, accompanied by a side of Cypriot salad, yogurt, or Ayran (a refreshing yogurt drink). It’s perfect as a light lunch, a meze dish, or part of a festive Cypriot breakfast spread.
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📝Tips for Authentic Cypriot Tavuklu Börek

• Add a little grated halloumi or Cypriot cheese for extra richness.
• Use homemade yufka if possible — it gives the börek a more rustic, authentic texture.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven; avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

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✨Cultural Significance in North Cyprus

In North Cyprus, börek is more than a dish — it’s a shared tradition. Families often gather to prepare börek together, filling it with cheese, spinach, or chicken, depending on what’s available. Tavuklu Börek in particular is a favourite during holidays and village celebrations, representing Cypriot hospitality and home-style comfort.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Tavuklu Börek is one of those timeless recipes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of North Cyprus. With its golden crust, savoury filling, and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the home.

Whether you’re exploring Cypriot cuisine for the first time or revisiting nostalgic flavours, this Tavuklu Börek recipe from North Cyprus is sure to become a household favourite.