Chicken Borek Recipe – Easy, Crispy Turkish Delight

Ever since I started cooking, I’ve loved turning simple, everyday ingredients into unforgettable meals. Growing up, Turkish flavors always captured my imagination, especially the flaky, golden borek my family would make on weekends. Inspired by those comforting memories, this chicken borek recipe combines tender shredded chicken with crispy phyllo layers, making it perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or special occasions. It’s quick, flavorful, and sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken borek recipe is your go-to for easy, flavorful, and family-friendly meals. Using tender shredded chicken, aromatic spices, and flaky phyllo dough, this Turkish borek delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or festive occasions, it’s fully customizable—you can add cheese, herbs, or even vegetables. The golden, crisp layers paired with juicy chicken make this a comfort food favorite. Try this chicken borek recipe for a quick, satisfying meal your family will love.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this chicken borek recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor. Shredded chicken forms the hearty base, while onions and spices bring warmth and aroma. Phyllo dough provides the signature crispiness, and a simple egg wash gives the perfect golden finish. Optional cheese adds richness, while sesame or nigella seeds offer an extra touch of texture and flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch baking dish or round tray):

For the Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Turkish white cheese (optional)

For the Borek Layers:
12–14 sheets phyllo dough (or 4–5 Turkish yufka sheets)
½ cup olive oil or melted butter

For the Egg Wash:
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk or yogurt

Optional: Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping

How to Make This Recipe

Making chicken borek is simple when you follow the layers and steps carefully. Start with the filling, sautéing onions and mixing in shredded chicken and spices. Layer phyllo sheets in your baking dish, brushing each layer with oil to achieve that perfect crispiness. Spread the chicken filling evenly, cover with remaining phyllo, and brush with egg wash. Baking until golden ensures crispy, flaky perfection. This step-by-step method makes chicken borek easy, delicious, and rewarding.

🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Sauté onions in olive oil until soft, then add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix in parsley and cheese.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease baking dish.
Step 3: Layer 5–6 phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each with oil.
Step 4: Spread chicken filling evenly over phyllo.
Step 5: Layer remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing with oil.
Step 6: Whisk egg with milk and brush top. Sprinkle seeds if desired.
Step 7: Bake 30–40 minutes until golden and crispy.

Expert Cooking Tips

For the crispiest chicken borek, always brush phyllo sheets with oil or melted butter between layers. Don’t overfill—the perfect balance of flaky dough and tender chicken makes every bite enjoyable. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a faster chicken borek recipe easy option. Customize with cheese or herbs to suit your taste. Allow the borek to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces, and consider freezing before baking for convenient make-ahead meals that don’t compromise flavor or texture.

💡 Expert Tips:
Brush phyllo generously for golden, crisp layers
Use pre-cooked chicken to save time
Experiment with cheese, herbs, or spices for flavor variations
Let borek rest 10–15 minutes before slicing
Freeze assembled borek before baking for meal prep

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This chicken borek recipe brings Turkish flavors and comfort to your kitchen with minimal effort. Crispy phyllo layers, savory chicken filling, and aromatic spices make it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions. Easy to customize, make ahead, or freeze, it’s a versatile dish your household will love. Bring a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine to your table with this simple, delicious chicken borek recipe that never fails to impress.

Chicken Borek

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Chicken Borek is a crispy, golden Turkish savory pastry made with delicate layers of phyllo (or yufka) dough filled with seasoned shredded chicken and aromatic spices. This comforting dish is perfect as a family dinner, appetizer, or party snack. Think of it as a flaky Turkish chicken pie with irresistible crunch in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch baking dish or round tray):

For the Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Turkish white cheese (optional)

For the Borek Layers:

12–14 sheets phyllo dough (or 4–5 Turkish yufka sheets)
½ cup olive oil or melted butter

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk or yogurt

Optional: Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine.
Remove from heat and mix in parsley and cheese (if using). Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Layers

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease your baking dish.
Lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish and brush lightly with oil or melted butter.
Repeat layering and brushing 5–6 sheets.

Step 3: Add Filling

Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the layered dough.
Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each layer with oil or butter.

Step 4: Add Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk egg with milk and brush over the top layer.
Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds if desired.
Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

 

Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Crispier Texture: Don’t skip brushing each layer with oil or butter.
Shortcut Option: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker chicken borek recipe easy version.
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze before baking and cook directly from frozen (add 10–15 extra minutes).

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Savory Pastry
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Turkish