Description
This Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled or pan-seared to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and warm spices, then served with a luscious, tangy creamy white sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it pairs wonderfully with rice, flatbread, or salad.
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, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Prepare the creamy white sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh dill or parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill the sauce until ready to serve.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Then slice the chicken into pieces.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken over rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad. Drizzle generously with the creamy white sauce and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The creamy white sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve with warm pita bread or a side of traditional Turkish rice pilaf for an authentic meal.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure flatbread or other served sides comply with gluten-free standards.
