Description
A flavorful Turkish-inspired chicken dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy white sauce with Parmesan and aromatic spices. This comforting meal is easy to prepare, combining a tangy yogurt marinade with a luscious sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips)
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy White Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy White Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken strips to the skillet with the creamy white sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a bright and fresh garnish. Serve the Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce hot, ideally with rice, bread, or your choice of side.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for even deeper flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Serve with rice, couscous, or warm flatbread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
