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Cheesy Turkish Chicken with White Sauce

Marinated chicken in Turkish spices topped with creamy white sauce and melted mozzarella for an impressive dinner.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder or paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon chicken masala optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
  • 2 tablespoons butter for white sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk warmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste, for sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan with lid
  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, chicken masala, black pepper, vinegar, tomato paste, and salt. Mix well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for another 5 minutes until excess liquid evaporates and chicken develops light golden edges.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Gradually pour the warmed milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Continue whisking as the mixture heats and thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir the oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper into the white sauce. Remove from heat.
  7. Pour the white sauce evenly over the cooked chicken in the pan. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and chopped cilantro over the top.
  8. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Optional: place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes for golden brown spots on cheese.
  9. Serve hot directly from the pan with Turkish pide, naan, or rice.

Notes

Storage: Best eaten fresh. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Do not freeze as white sauce will separate. Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor. White sauce can be made 2 hours ahead and reheated with additional milk if needed. Variations: Replace half the milk with heavy cream for richer sauce. Substitute shrimp (cook 3-4 minutes) or cauliflower for chicken. Use sweet paprika instead of chili powder for milder version. Add fresh jalapeƱos for more heat. Pro Tip: Warm milk before adding to roux prevents lumps. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting. Place under broiler briefly for restaurant-style golden cheese top.