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Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce is a cozy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs with a silky, rich yogurt-based sauce enriched with subtle spices and lemon. Ready in under 40 minutes, this family-friendly meal captures authentic Turkish flavors with effortless preparation, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Butter or oil, for cooking

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 knob of butter

Creamy White Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (optional)

  • Chopped parsley or dried mint

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for spice
  • Fresh dill or cilantro for herbal twist
  • Cream cheese or mascarpone for extra creaminess

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of butter or oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add a knob of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the Creamy White Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice carefully to avoid curdling, creating a smooth sauce.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the creamy white sauce over them. Let everything simmer together on low heat for a few minutes to meld flavors and allow the sauce to coat the chicken nicely.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dried mint over the dish for a fresh herbal note. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as rice pilaf, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
  • Adjust the flour or broth quantity to control sauce thickness as desired.
  • Remove sauce from heat before adding yogurt to prevent curdling and stir quickly.
  • For juicier results, use bone-in chicken thighs but increase cooking time slightly.
  • Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish chicken, creamy white sauce, yogurt sauce, weeknight dinner, quick chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken meal