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Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce, featuring tender, well-seasoned chicken pieces coated in a luscious, silky white sauce infused with yogurt, herbs, and spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, offering a gourmet-like dish that’s both approachable and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce Base

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full-fat recommended)

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt, paprika, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to form the flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Make the Creamy White Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Add Yogurt and Seasonings: Reduce the heat and carefully whisk in the plain yogurt to prevent curdling. Mix in dried dill and parsley along with a splash of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the creamy white sauce. Allow them to warm together for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Serve garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Use full-fat yogurt to prevent curdling and add richness to the sauce.
  • Cook the sauce on low to medium heat to maintain a smooth texture.
  • Rest the chicken after cooking to help retain moisture and juiciness.
  • Whisk continuously when adding flour and liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Add herbs at the end to preserve their fresh flavors and vibrant color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish chicken, creamy white sauce, yogurt chicken, easy dinner recipes, Turkish cuisine, creamy chicken recipe, comfort food