Are you looking for more flavorful alternatives to chicken mince for your meals? With concerns about nutrition, variety, and taste, turkey chicken emerges as a nutritious choice for those who want lean protein options without compromising on health. Offering high-quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium, turkey chicken recipes include different health ingredients that improve your dietary level. Unlike chicken mince, which can sometimes be bland and higher in fat, turkey chicken offers a leaner and slightly rough flavour profile that pairs beautifully with many healthy cuisines.
Are you still worried about the taste of dry turkey? This blog explores six delicious turkey chicken recipes, their health benefits and their unique taste. Also, explore healthy cooking techniques to tantalise your taste buds and prove that turkey can be juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. So, keep reading!
Table Of Contents
1. What Is Turkish Chicken Made Of? 6 Recipes
2. What Is A Turkey Chicken Called?
3. Can You Cook Turkey Like Chicken? 5 Healthy Ways To Cook
4. Is Turkey Better For You Than Chicken?
5. The Final Say
6. FAQs
7. References
What Is Turkish Chicken Made Of? 6 Recipes
Turkish cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours and vibrant spices. Turkish chicken dishes are no exception, offering a delightful blend of savoury and aromatic ingredients. From succulent kebabs to hearty stews, let's explore six mouthwatering turkey chicken recipes that highlight the essence of Turkish cuisine and deliver high-protein portions.
1. Indian Style Turkey Chicken Curry
This curry is protein-rich from turkey chicken, promoting muscle growth and repair. Adding tomatoes and spices offers antioxidants in this high-protein diet, improving heart health and reducing inflammation. Coconut milk or yoghurt provides calcium and healthy fats, supporting bone health and digestion. This nutrient-dense dish is ideal for boosting energy and immunity.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken – 500 g
- Onion (finely chopped) – 2 medium
- Tomato (pureed) – 3 medium
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 2 tsp
- Coconut milk or yoghurt – 1 cup
- Oil – 3 tbsp
- Fresh coriander (chopped) – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. Heat cooking oil over medium heat (2 minutes).
2. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown (5-6 minutes).
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and properly cook until the raw smell disappears (1 minute).
4. Stir in the turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, and garam masala, cooking for a minute to enhance the aroma.
5. Add tomato puree, stir well, and simmer until the mixture thickens and oil begins to separate (7-8 minutes).
6. Add turkey chicken, mix thoroughly, and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Pour in coconut milk or yoghurt, season with salt, and simmer on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (20-25 minutes).
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and immediately serve with rice or roti.
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2. Grilled Turkey Chicken Kebabs
These kebabs are a perfect low-fat meal, delivering high-quality protein for muscle repair and grilled chicken for weight loss maintenance. The colourful vegetables provide vitamins A and C, enhancing skin health plus immunity. Olive oil enriches the turkey chicken dish with heart-healthy fats, making it a great choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken (boneless, cubed) – 400 g
- Bell peppers (cubed) – 2
- Onion (cubed) – 1 large
- Yoghurt – 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Cumin powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. Combine yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, paprika, olive oil, and salt to create a marinade (2 minutes).
2. Add turkey chicken, bell peppers, and onion to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for deeper flavour absorption.
3. Preheat the grill to 200°C (5 minutes).
4. Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers (3 minutes).
5. Grill or bake the skewers for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with a yoghurt dip or mint chutney.
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3. Roasted Turkey Chicken Breast
This dish combines lean protein from turkey breast to promote muscle recovery and satiety. The infusion of olive oil, garlic, plus herbs provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its low-fat profile makes it ideal for weight-conscious people, giving healthy dinner ideas while delivering all nutrients for energy.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken breast – 2 pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
- Fresh rosemary – 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (5 minutes).
2. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, salt, plus black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful rub (2 minutes).
3. Rub the mixture generously onto both sides of the turkey breasts, ensuring even coverage (2 minutes).
4. Place the turkey breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the oven for nearly 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway until the placed meat is fully cooked and golden brown.
6. Remove the meat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain the juices, then slice and serve.
Also Read: 3 Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes With 4 Low-Calorie Options For Weight Loss!
4. Turkish Chicken Shawarma Wrap
This is one of the best low-calorie meal prep lunch recipes that features tender turkey chicken paired with fresh veggies and yoghurt for a probiotic boost. The wrap provides balanced nutrition, including fibre, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it ideal for a quick, wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken (thinly sliced) – 400 g
- Shawarma spice mix – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Cucumber (sliced) – 1
- Tomato (sliced) – 1
- Lettuce – 4 leaves
- Flatbreads – 4
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. In a bowl, marinate the turkey chicken with shawarma spice mix, olive oil, and lemon juice. Let it rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
2. Cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until fully cooked and slightly charred (10-12 minutes).
3. Prepare a sauce by mixing yoghurt and minced garlic (1 minute).
4. Spread the yoghurt sauce evenly on a flatbread.
5. Layer the cooked chicken, cucumber, tomato slices, and lettuce leaves. Roll tightly to form a wrap and serve immediately.
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5. Vermicelli Turkey Chicken Soup
This nourishing soup is more like the 30-gram protein meals, which blend protein from turkey chicken with energy-boosting vermicelli and hydrating broth. Carrots and celery provide antioxidants and fibre, making it a light yet nutrient-dense choice for improving immunity and digestion.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken (shredded) – 300 g
- Vermicelli – 100 g
- Carrot (diced) – 1
- Celery (chopped) – 1 stalk
- Onion (chopped) – 1 small
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. Heat healthy olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (3 minutes).
2. Add diced carrot and chopped celery, cooking until slightly softened (5 minutes).
3. Pour in chicken broth and carefully bring the mixture to a boil (5 minutes).
4. Add shredded turkey chicken and vermicelli, reducing the heat to simmer until the vermicelli is cooked through (8-10 minutes).
5. Season with salt plus pepper to taste. Serve hot palate with a garnish of fresh parsley.
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6. Toasted Turkish Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich combines protein-rich turkey with nutrient-dense whole-grain bread for sustained energy. Fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and fibre, while the cheese adds calcium for bone health. Like a grilled chicken sandwich, this is a quick, delicious, and wholesome snack that can be eaten anytime.
Ingredients:
- Turkey chicken (sliced) – 200 g
- Whole-grain bread – 4 slices
- Cheese (sliced) – 2 pieces
- Lettuce – 2 leaves
- Tomato (sliced) – 1
- Mustard or mayo – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 1 tsp
Steps To Make This Turkey Chicken Recipe:
1. Spread mustard or mayo on one side of each bread slice to add a creamy base (1 minute).
2. Layer turkey slices, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on two slices of bread (2 minutes).
3. Top with the remaining fresh bread slices to assemble the sandwiches.
4. Heat butter and toast the sandwiches on both sides until slightly golden brown and the cheese melts (3-4 minutes).
5. Slice in half and serve warm.
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Also Read: 9 Health Benefits of Chicken Biryani & Healthy Tips
What Is A Turkey Chicken Called?
A turkey is not a type of chicken, though both are domesticated birds. While chickens belong to the Phasianidae family, turkeys are part of the Meleagridae family. Key differences include turkeys' larger size, distinctive wattle and snood, omnivorous diet, and North American origin. Despite these differences, both are popular poultry choices. You can visit ToneOp Eats to experience the taste and wellness of nutrient-dense and calorie-counted meals.
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Also Read: 10 Finger-Lickin' Benefits of Eating Chicken For Better Health And Weight Loss!
Can You Cook Turkey Like Chicken? 5 Healthy Ways To Cook
Try one of these healthy ways to cook turkey or chicken to reap maximum nutritional benefits:
Cooking Method | Benefits | Tips |
Roasting | It involves cooking the turkey in a hot oven, making the meat tender and juicy. | To ensure a moist and flavorful turkey, let it rest for at least 20 minutes after roasting. This allows the meat juices to be redistributed in the meat. |
Baking | Baking is a versatile method for cooking turkey breasts, legs, or smaller cuts. It's a healthier option than frying, as it requires less oil. | To prevent the turkey meat from drying out, baste it periodically with pan juices or broth. To retain moisture, cover the baking dish loosely with foil. |
Grilling | Grilling adds a smoky flavour to turkey and is a great way to cook more minor cuts, such as kebabs or boneless, skinless breasts. | Oil the grill grate before cooking to prevent the turkey from sticking. Marinate the turkey in a flavorful marinade to enhance its flavour. |
Broiling | It is a quick method for cooking smaller portions of turkey. It's ideal for turkey cutlets or turkey bacon. | To avoid overcooking, watch the turkey closely while broiling. Use a meat thermometer to properly check for doneness. |
Poaching | It is a gentle cooking way that preserves turkey's delicate flavour plus texture. It's a great way to cook turkey breasts or smaller cuts. | To create a flavorful poaching liquid, combine water, broth, herbs, and spices. Simmer the turkey gently, avoiding a rolling boil. |
Additional Tips for Healthy Cooking:
- Select lean cuts of fresh meat: Lean cuts of turkey and chicken are usually lower in fat and calories.
- Trim excess fat: Trim any remaining fat from the meat before cooking.
- Serve with plenty of vegetables: Vegetables are a healthy and nutritious side dish.
Also Read: Indulge In These 4 Power-Packed 40-gram Protein Meals
Is Turkey Better For You Than Chicken?
Turkey and chicken are healthy protein sources, but turkey usually has a slight edge. Consider these nutritional advantages turkey offers more than chicken alone:
- Calories and Fat: Turkey tends to be lower in calories and fat, especially in white meat.
- Protein: Both provide similar amounts of protein, but turkey might have a slight advantage.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey is richer in zinc, iron, niacin, and B vitamins, while chicken has more vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.
- Cholesterol: Turkey has less cholesterol than chicken, especially in white meat.
- Sodium: Chicken often has more sodium than turkey.
Ultimately, turkey might have a slight nutritional edge, but both can be part of a complete diet when consumed in moderation. Also, the more nutritious choice depends on how you prepare them. Grilling or baking turkey chicken is healthier than frying; choosing white meat over dark meat is usually better.
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The Final Say
To sum up, these six turkey chicken recipes offer a nutritious way to have these lean proteins. By grilling, baking, or broiling turkey chicken, you can reduce unwanted fats and calories while preserving the meat's natural flavours. Remember to pair turkey chicken dishes with vegetable dishes for a complete meal. However, be mindful of portion sizes plus avoid overcooking, which causes dryness and nutrient loss. Also, it's always best to consult a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns.
FAQs
1. What are the turkey chicken benefits?
Turkey and chicken are both lean protein sources, but turkey generally has fewer calories and fat than chicken, making it a slightly leaner option. Also, turkey is a good source of selenium, which supports immune function, and niacin, essential for energy metabolism.
2. What should you have with Turkish chicken for health?
To complement turkey's health benefits, consider pairing it with various colourful vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or a side salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice also make healthy additions to your meal.
3. Does turkey take longer to cook than chicken?
While turkey can take slightly longer to cook than chicken, especially for larger cuts like a whole turkey, the cooking time difference isn't significant for smaller portions like breasts or ground meat.
4. Can you substitute turkey for chicken?
Yes, you can substitute turkey for chicken in many recipes. Both meats can be used interchangeably in dishes like stir-fries, soups, casseroles, and sandwiches. However, turkey might have a slightly different flavour and texture than chicken, so you may need to adjust cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
References
- https://cookpad.com/in/search/turkish%20chicken
- https://www.yummly.com/recipes/turkish-chicken
- https://thishealthytable.com/blog/turkish-chicken-kabobs/#:~:text=Turkish%20chicken%20(Tavuk%20%C5%9Ei%C5%9F)%20is,simple%20but%20fantastic%20main%20course.
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/how-to-cook-a-turkey-glossary#:~:text=Turkey%20cooking%20time:,20%20mins%2C%20then%20test%20again.&text=Remember%20to%20weigh%20the%20turkey,long%20to%20cook%20a%20turkey.
- https://www.medicinenet.com/turkey_healthier_meat_than_beef_pork_chicken/article.htm
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