Creamy Turkish Chicken Soup (Tavuk Çorbası)

Tavuk Çorbası, or Turkish Chicken Soup, is a classic comfort food that’s loved for its rich, creamy texture and nourishing qualities. Often served during colder months or when you’re in need of a soothing meal, this soup is a blend of tender chicken, vegetables, and a velvety broth that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make Creamy Turkish Chicken Soup with simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both delicious and full of flavor. It’s an easy recipe that will remind you of the homemade soups that are passed down through generations.

What is Tavuk Çorbası?

Tavuk Çorbası is a traditional Turkish soup made with chicken, rice or noodles, and a creamy base that’s often enriched with egg yolks and yogurt. The soup’s flavors come from the slow simmering of chicken and vegetables, creating a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, which brightens up the richness of the broth.

This soup is perfect for colder weather, and its creamy, velvety texture makes it a popular choice for anyone feeling under the weather or in need of something comforting.

Ingredients for Creamy Turkish Chicken Soup (Tavuk Çorbası)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious and creamy Turkish chicken soup:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 whole chicken (or 2 chicken breasts with bones)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup rice (or small pasta, like orzo)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Mixture:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For Garnish:

• Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Cracked black pepper (optional)

How to Make Creamy Turkish Chicken Soup (Tavuk Çorbası)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot and cover with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool.

If you’re using chicken breasts, add them directly to the pot of chicken broth and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, shred the chicken into small pieces, discarding any bones.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, heat olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Once the vegetables have softened, add the rice (or pasta) to the pot. Stir it in with the vegetables for a minute or two. Then, pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice (or pasta) is tender.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, yogurt, and flour. Take a ladle of hot broth from the pot and slowly whisk it into the yogurt mixture to temper it. Once it’s well combined, add the mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.

Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring gently. This will thicken the soup and make it creamy. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add the Shredded Chicken

Once the soup is creamy and well-seasoned, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added flavor. This soup can be served with warm pita bread or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Tavuk Çorbası

• For a richer flavor, you can use chicken with bones and skin. The bones give the broth a more robust flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin before serving.
• For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more yogurt or use heavy cream in place of some of the yogurt.
• Adjust the thickness: If the soup becomes too thick after adding the creamy mixture, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or water.
• Make ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavors tend to develop even further overnight. Reheat it on low heat, adding a little more liquid if needed.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Turkish Chicken Soup (Tavuk Çorbası)

This Tavuk Çorbası is the perfect comfort food with its creamy texture, tender chicken, and well-balanced flavors. It’s rich and hearty, yet light enough to be enjoyed year-round. The combination of the yogurt and egg yolk gives it a silky smooth texture, while the lemon adds a refreshing tang.

Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also a wonderful way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and rice. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of something cozy, this soup is sure to satisfy.