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Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a luscious, velvety white sauce infused with traditional Turkish spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of tangy yogurt. Perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe combines simple pantry ingredients and fresh flavors for a rich, satisfying meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
  • Pinch of dried herbs (optional)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk or heavy cream
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs if desired. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm for later.
  2. Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to form the base of the white sauce and eliminate any raw flour taste.
  3. Add Dairy and Garlic: Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the minced garlic and let the sauce gently simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Then, mix in the yogurt for tanginess and a rich texture.
  4. Season and Herb It Up: Season the creamy sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Fold in the chopped fresh dill and parsley to add a refreshing herbal aroma and vibrant color. Add lemon juice if using to brighten the flavors.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy white sauce over the pieces to coat thoroughly. Let the dish simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and avoid steaming.
  • Use full-fat dairy products for the richest and creamiest sauce.
  • Cook the roux thoroughly to avoid a gritty sauce texture.
  • Add fresh herbs toward the end to preserve their aroma and color.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk or cream while simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish chicken, creamy white sauce, chicken recipe, easy dinner, Turkish spices, cozy meal