Delicious and Authentic Turkish Tavuk Gogsu Recipe

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken breast
1 1/2 cups of sugar
4 cups of milk
1 cup of rice flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of rose water (optional)
Ground cinnamon for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

Place the chicken breast in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, drain the water and let the chicken cool. When it is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into very fine threads. You can use a fork or your fingers to do this.
In the same saucepan, combine the shredded chicken, sugar, milk, and rice flour. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rose water, if using.
Pour the mixture into a dish and spread it out evenly. Allow it to cool and then place it in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, cut the Tavuk Gogsu into squares or slices and sprinkle with ground cinnamon, if desired.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Needed to cook the chicken breast and prepare the mixture.
Fork or Fingers - Used to shred the cooked chicken breast into fine threads.
Stirring Spoon - Essential for stirring the mixture continuously while it thickens.
Dish - Used to pour and spread the mixture for cooling and setting.
Refrigerator - Required to chill and set the Tavuk Gogsu.
Knife - Used to cut the Tavuk Gogsu into squares or slices before serving.

Recipe variations

Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of cow's milk for a dairy-free version.
Replace the chicken with turkey breast for a different flavor.
Experiment with different flavors of extract such as almond or lemon.
Add chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to the mixture for added texture.
Try using a different type of flour such as all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or rice flour.
Add a layer of crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers at the bottom of the dish for a crust-like base.
Mix in some grated coconut or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a subtle hint of spice.

Recipe overview

Tavuk Gogsu is a unique and traditional Turkish dessert with a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It's a pudding-like treat made from just a few simple ingredients: chicken, sugar, milk, and rice flour. What makes this dessert truly stand out is its key ingredient—chicken breast. As unusual as it may sound, the chicken provides a subtle flavor and gives the dessert a distinctive texture. The process involves boiling and shredding the chicken, then mixing it with the other ingredients to create a creamy, sweet pudding. The end result is a delicately sweet, smooth and creamy dessert, often flavored with vanilla and rose water. It's usually served chilled, cut into squares or slices, and dusted with a touch of ground cinnamon. Don't be deterred by its unconventional ingredient list, Tavuk Gogsu is a surprising delight well worth the culinary adventure.

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. However, keep in mind that chicken breast is traditionally used for Tavuk Gogsu.
Can I use a different type of flour? No, rice flour is a key ingredient in this recipe and using a different type of flour may alter the texture and taste of the dessert.
Is rose water necessary? No, rose water is optional. It adds a subtle floral flavor to the dessert, but if you prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe.
How long does it take for the mixture to set in the refrigerator? It takes at least 2 hours for the mixture to set in the refrigerator. However, for best results, it is recommended to let it set overnight.
Can I skip the ground cinnamon? Yes, the ground cinnamon is optional and can be skipped if desired. It is traditionally sprinkled on top of the Tavuk Gogsu before serving, but it can be omitted if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Saucepan - Used to cook the chicken and prepare the mixture.
Fork - To shred the cooked chicken breast into fine threads.
Whisk - Used to stir and combine the ingredients in the saucepan.
Dish - A shallow dish to pour the mixture into and allow it to cool and set.
Refrigerator - To chill the Tavuk Gogsu and allow it to set properly.
Knife - To cut the Tavuk Gogsu into squares or slices before serving.
Serving Plate - A plate or platter to present and serve the Tavuk Gogsu.
Ground Cinnamon - Optional for sprinkling on top of the Tavuk Gogsu before serving.

Origin stories

Tavuk Gogsu, a classic Turkish dessert, dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It was notably served in the Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of the Ottoman sultans in Istanbul. What makes Tavuk Gogsu unique is its key ingredient: chicken. Yes, you heard it right. This silky, pudding-like dessert conceals a secret ingredient—finely shredded chicken breast—which lends a subtle depth to its texture. Considered a delicacy, it was enjoyed by the sultans and dignitaries of the time. Today, Tavuk Gogsu can be found in patisseries across Turkey, a testament to the country's rich culinary history and willingness to blend the savory with the sweet.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.