This Turkish-style chicken with white sauce is a rich, flavorful dish that blends aromatic spices with tender chicken, topped with a creamy, cheesy white sauce. The marinated chicken is cooked to perfection and then baked with a luscious white sauce and melty cheese, making it a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether paired with rice, bread, or a fresh salad, this dish is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and brings a taste of Turkey right to your table!
Preparation Time
- Marinating Time: 1 hour to overnight
- Active Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- ½ kg boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp cooking oil for cooking the marinated chicken
For the White Sauce:
- 1 to 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup milk
- Salt to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano leaves
- ½ tsp dried parsley leaves
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese, grated (to your preference)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, paprika, red chili powder, cumin seeds, black pepper, garlic paste, tomato paste, and vinegar.
- Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and sauces.
- Add the yogurt to the chicken mixture and mix again.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor infusion.
Step 2: Cook the Marinated Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook on low flame for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Turn off the flame and set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Prepare the White Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour, cooking it for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing it to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, oregano, and parsley. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness, then turn off the flame.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Transfer the cooked chicken into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the white sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chicken and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Turkish-style chicken with rice, bread, or a salad of your choice. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of the dish!
Why This Recipe is Timeless
This Turkish-style chicken with white sauce combines rich and aromatic spices with a creamy, cheesy topping, making it a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Health and Flavor Combined: The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant spices, while the white sauce adds a creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Mediterranean Influence: The dish uses ingredients like cumin, paprika, and yogurt, which are staples of Mediterranean cooking.
- Customizable: You can experiment with the stuffing or toppings, adding your favorite vegetables or different types of cheese.
- Impressive Yet Simple: This dish strikes the perfect balance between being both elegant and easy to prepare, making it suitable for any occasion.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, fresh pita bread, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette. If you prefer something more indulgent, you can serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and white sauce, serve with a side of tabbouleh or couscous salad.
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to fully infuse.
- You can replace the chicken with turkey or lamb for a different variation.
- If you don’t have an oven, you can use a large skillet to cook the chicken with the white sauce on the stovetop, covering the pan to melt the cheese.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the white sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a combination of cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and parmesan for a richer, more decadent topping.
Conclusion
This Turkish-style chicken with white sauce is an easy, yet indulgent, dish that will become a family favorite. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy white sauce, and melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice, bread, or a fresh salad, and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and prepare the white sauce earlier in the day. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or even feta for different flavor profiles.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this dish without an oven?
A: Yes! If you don’t have an oven, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop in the pan with the white sauce, covering it to melt the cheese.