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Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

This Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce recipe features tender chicken pieces in a luscious, velvety sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a comforting dinner, the rich and creamy sauce with a touch of fresh herbs offers perfectly balanced flavors that pair well with many sides, delivering a warm and flavorful meal in under 45 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 500g chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or ground cumin (optional)

Sauté Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Creamy White Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cumin to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
  3. Make the Base for Your Creamy White Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, building a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce and eliminate the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Liquids for Creamy Goodness: Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens beautifully.
  6. Incorporate Yogurt and Seasonings: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the yogurt and lemon juice for a slight tang and creaminess. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating each piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Warm on low heat for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the dish just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt to add creaminess without curdling; add it off heat and stir gently.
  • Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent breaking or sticking.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest briefly after sautéing to retain its juices.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end for maximum flavor and color.
  • Incorporate flour thoroughly into melted butter before adding liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: Turkish chicken, creamy white sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pan chicken, savory chicken recipe