Description
This Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce features tender, spiced chicken thighs or breasts marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. Served with a luscious Greek yogurt-based sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, this dish is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy White Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili flakes if using, and salt and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts into the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
- Make the Creamy White Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, mix the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill or parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice golden sear.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken over a bed of rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad. Drizzle generously with the chilled creamy white sauce for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken thighs provide more juiciness, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili flakes according to preferred spice level.
- The creamy white sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Serve with rice, bulgur, flatbread, or a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 15m
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
