19.11.2025 18:05
The international flavor platform TasteAtlas has published its list of the "Top 20 Chicken Dishes in the World." At the top of the list is Piliç Topkapı, a favorite dish from Ottoman cuisine. While the list features various examples from world cuisines, another Turkish delicacy, Şiş Tavuk, secured the 15th spot.
TasteAtlas, known for its comprehensive rankings related to food and drink culture, announced this year's list of the "Top 20 Chicken Dishes in the World." The top spot once again comes from Turkey, featuring many famous flavors from different geographies.
The list, created by combining the opinions of international gastronomy experts and user ratings, includes remarkable examples from world cuisines in its top 10.
SELECTED FLAVORS FROM WORLD CUISINES IN THE TOP 10
10 – Insal Na Manok (Philippines)
Aromatic chicken dish marinated with vinegar, garlic, and lemongrass, cooked on the grill.
9 – Chicken Karahi (Pakistan)
A traditional dish cooked at high heat in a spicy tomato sauce, rich in flavor.
8 – Dak Galbi (South Korea)
A popular Korean dish made by grilling chicken pieces with gochujang sauce and vegetables.
7 – Poulet Rôti (France)
Classic French roast chicken slow-cooked with butter, herbs, and root vegetables.
6 – Karaage (Japan)
A beloved Japanese snack, deep-fried after marinating in ginger and soy sauce, known for its crispy texture.
5 – Butter Chicken (India)
World-famous Indian dish made by cooking tender chicken in a creamy, buttery, and mildly spiced tomato sauce.
4 – Pollo a la Brasa (Peru)
A national dish prepared by cooking marinated chicken with a special spice mix over charcoal in a rotisserie-like method.
3 – Chikin (South Korea)
Korean-style crispy fried chicken served with sweet and spicy sauces.
2 – Rfissa (Morocco)
A traditional Moroccan dish where chicken, lentils, and special spices are served over thin msemen dough.
1 - PİLİÇ TOPKAPI (TURKEY)
The Ottoman heritage dish, Pilic Topkapi, which occupies the top of the list, received full marks from international gastronomy circles for its traditional origins and unique cooking technique.
This classic dish, named after Topkapi Palace, is prepared by stuffing boneless chicken thighs with a rice filling made of pine nuts, currants, onions, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice. The recipe reflects the delicacies of palace cuisine and was selected as the best chicken dish in the world by receiving the highest score on the platform.
SKEWERED CHICKEN AT 15TH PLACE
Another dish from Turkey, Skewered Chicken, also made it to the list prepared by TasteAtlas. The traditional recipe found its place at the 15th spot in the ranking of 20 dishes.
PILIC TOPKAPI RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
For the chicken:
• 4 boneless thighs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper powder
For the rice filling:
• 1 cup of rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon of currants (soaked in water for 15 minutes)
• Cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt
• 1.5 cups of hot water or chicken broth
For the topping:
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
PREPARATION
1) Preparing the rice filling
– Melt the butter and lightly toast the pine nuts.
– Add the onion and cook until soft.
– Add the washed rice and sauté for a few minutes.
– Add the currants and spices.
– Add hot water and cook on low heat until the water is absorbed, then let it rest.
2) Preparing the chicken
– Open the boneless thighs and lightly pound them.
– Marinate with olive oil and spices.
– Place some of the rice filling in the center of each thigh and wrap it like a pouch, securing it with a toothpick.
3) Baking
– Mix the egg yolk, yogurt, and olive oil and spread it over the chicken.
– Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown.