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recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing boneless chicken yogurt tomato paste garlic paprika cumin oregano black pepper butter flour milk cheese vinegar cinnamon nutmeg chili flakes bell peppers arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Discover the exotic flavors of Turkish cuisine combined with a comforting creamy sauce in this easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 550

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the spices.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the pan in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd it; cook in two batches if necessary. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Sauce
  1. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and dill. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your delicious Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 40gFat: 35g

Notes

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk or evaporated milk. If no fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley and dill. Don't overcrowd the pan for best results. Optionally toast spices with onions and garlic. Add heat with red pepper flakes or jalapeño. Enhance with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Brighten with lemon juice. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of milk or broth. Dairy-free with coconut milk.
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