Tavuklu Patates Tavası (Turkish Chicken and Potato Casserole)

If you’re looking for a cozy, one-pan Turkish dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy enough for a weeknight, this Tavuklu Patates Tavası (Turkish chicken and potato casserole) is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, soft potatoes, sweet peppers, and a rich tomato-paste sauce come together in one dish, finished off with a quick bake for that golden, oven-roasted flavor. It’s the kind of comforting, homestyle meal you’ll find on tables all across Turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan simplicity – everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
• Budget-friendly ingredients – chicken, potatoes, and vegetables you probably already have on hand.
• Big, bold flavor – tomato paste, thyme, and red pepper flakes create a rich, slightly smoky sauce.
• Great for meal prep – it reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for leftovers or make-ahead lunches.
• Naturally gluten-free – no need for substitutions or special ingredients.

Tools You’ll Need

• A large, deep pan or skillet (oven-safe if you want to skip the transfer step)
• A baking dish (if your pan isn’t oven-safe)
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients & Prep

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Tavuklu Patates Tavası:

• 500 grams chicken, diced
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 red peppers, chopped
• 2 green peppers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tea glass of hot water (roughly ½ cup)

Prep tip: Dice the chicken and chop all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces before you start cooking. Since everything cooks together in one pan, uniform pieces mean everything finishes cooking at the same time.

How to Make Tavuklu Patates Tavası

• Layer the base. In a large pan, add the chopped potatoes, onions, and crushed garlic.
• Add the chicken and vegetables. Add the diced chicken to the pan, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, red peppers, and green peppers.
• Season everything. Add the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix well so the seasoning coats all the ingredients evenly.

• Simmer. Pour in the hot water and stir to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

• Transfer to a baking dish. Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, move the mixture into a baking dish (skip this step if your pan is oven-safe).

• Bake. Place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown and the vegetables are fully cooked.

• Rest and serve. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat, or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Similar Recipes

• Belen Tava Recipe: Slow-Baked Beef or Lamb Tray
• Easy English Cottage Pie Recipe
• Beef Stew with Potatoes (Hearty & Comforting Family Recipe)
• Juicy Roasted Chicken Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay juicier during the longer cooking time.

Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely — add extra red pepper flakes, or stir in a spoonful of Turkish pepper paste (biber salçası) along with the tomato paste for more heat and depth.

Do I have to bake it, or can I just cook it on the stovetop? The stovetop simmer alone will fully cook the dish. The oven step is optional, but it adds a nice golden color and slightly deeper flavor, so it’s worth the extra 15–20 minutes if you have the time.

What can I serve with Tavuklu Patates Tavası? It’s a complete meal on its own, but crusty bread, a simple cucumber-tomato salad, or a side of rice all pair beautifully with it.

Can I add other vegetables? Yes — carrots, zucchini, or eggplant all work well if you’d like to bulk up the dish or use up what’s in your fridge.

Recipe