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Cheesy Turkish Chicken in Creamy White Sauce

Spiced yogurt-marinated chicken sautéed until golden and blanketed in a silky homemade bechamel, then finished with melted mozzarella and cheddar for a bold, restaurant-style dinner.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Turkish
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken cut into bite-sized cubes (about 1.1 lbs)
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt whisked smooth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste or 2 cloves minced garlic plus 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp crushed black pepper for the marinade
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for the white sauce
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 tsp dried parsley or oregano for the white sauce
  • 0.25 tsp crushed black pepper for the white sauce
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Kashkaval for a more authentic flavor
  • fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
  • red chili flakes optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large frying pan with lid
  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Combine the yogurt, tomato paste, ginger-garlic paste, vinegar, paprika, oregano, cumin, red chili powder, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until the liquid has fully evaporated and the chicken is cooked through with slightly browned edges. Cover and cook on low for 2 more minutes if needed.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is smooth and pale.
  4. Add the milk gradually in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously. Add the dried parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Pour the white sauce evenly over the cooked chicken in the frying pan, spooning it over every piece.
  6. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the top along with fresh cilantro or parsley and red chili flakes if using.
  7. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly across the surface.
  8. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey. Spoon over garlic rice or serve with warm pita or naan bread.

Notes

Marinade Time: Minimum 1 hour, up to 4 hours for best flavor and tenderness. Overnight marinating produces the most tender results. Lumpy Sauce Fix: If bechamel turns lumpy, remove from heat and whisk vigorously, or strain through a fine mesh sieve and return to low heat. Cheese Swap: Kashkaval cheese is the traditional Turkish choice and melts beautifully with a nuttier flavor. Sizzler Presentation: Transfer cooked chicken to a preheated cast-iron skillet before adding sauce and cheese for a restaurant-style sizzling presentation. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the sauce consistency. Serving: Best with garlic rice, buttery naan, or warm pita bread.