Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

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This Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious, herb-infused white sauce, with sweet roasted red peppers and caramelized onions adding depth and warmth to every bite. The bold mustard crust on the chicken contrasts beautifully with the mellow cream base, creating a dish that is as rich in flavor as it is in aroma.

Perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe brings a delightful balance of Mediterranean spices and creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread, soaking up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce, having the right tools makes all the difference:

• Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Braiser: This is key for searing the chicken and transferring directly to the oven. It allows the juices and flavors to deepen without losing any sauce in transfer.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken breasts evenly without breaking them apart.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need this for slicing your onions and peppers precisely and evenly.
• Whisk: To blend the cream sauce until it’s smooth and lump-free.
• Cutting Board: Preferably wood or bamboo for better grip when chopping vegetables.

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Ingredients for the Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, boneless skinless breasts provide lean protein and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Red Bell Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and a soft crunch that balances the creamy texture.
• Yellow Onions: Caramelizes as it cooks, infusing the sauce with natural sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the rich and silky base for the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard or Grainy Mustard: Adds tang and depth, and gives the chicken a gorgeous crust when baked.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables; a Mediterranean must.
• Garlic: Aromatic and bold, it adds a punch of flavor to the cream sauce.
• Paprika & Chili Flakes: Brings a warm, gentle heat that’s distinctly Turkish.
• Salt & Pepper: For basic seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Finishes the dish with brightness and color.

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How To Make the Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of paprika. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and red peppers until they soften and start to caramelize. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Dijon mustard, more paprika, and chili flakes. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bake to Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite side.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Turkish Chicken

This dish is best served fresh, while the sauce is warm and silky. Plate it over buttery rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Crusty bread is also an excellent choice.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to one month, though cream sauces may slightly change texture upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly as they may need a few extra minutes.

Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For best results, stick to heavy cream.

What vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms or spinach make great additions. Add mushrooms during the sauté stage and spinach just before baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the skillet, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from paprika and chili flakes, but you can adjust the spice level easily to suit your taste.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Turkish chicken dish, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken: Crispy, cheesy, and perfect with a creamy sauce.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot: A set-it-and-forget-it dinner with bold flavor.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Comfort food at its coziest.
• Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff: Creamy, savory, and loaded with mushrooms.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce: A handheld take on creamy chicken goodness.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding mushrooms? Did you serve it over pasta or bread?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more joy.

For daily recipe ideas, visit my Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

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