What is chicken borek?

Chicken borek is a traditional Turkish savory pastry made with shredded chicken, spices, and phyllo or yufka dough, baked to golden perfection.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of yufka?

Yes, phyllo dough works perfectly for this recipe and is easier to find in most grocery stores.

How many calories are in chicken borek?

A serving of chicken borek (approx. 150–200g) has 300–450 calories depending on ingredients.

Can chicken borek be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze before baking.

Chicken Borek Recipe – Easy, Crispy Turkish Borek 2026

Name: Chicken Borek
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; 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); 12–14 sheets phyllo dough (or 4–5 Turkish yufka sheets); ½ cup olive oil or melted butter; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons milk or yogurt; Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping (optional)

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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

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