Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce (Tavuklu Kremalı Sos)
A rich and comforting dish inspired by flavors from Turkey, this creamy Turkish chicken features tender pan-seared chicken in a smooth garlic white sauce. It’s simple, restaurant-style, and perfect with rice, pasta, or flatbread.
Description
Turkish Chicken with Creamy White Sauce combines juicy chicken pieces with a velvety cream-based sauce flavored with garlic, butter, and mild spices. The dish is known for its balanced taste — not too heavy, not too spicy — making it a family favorite and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Taste: Creamy, mildly garlicky, slightly tangy
Texture: Tender chicken with smooth, rich sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4 servings
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For Chicken
500g boneless chicken breast (cubed or sliced)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
For Creamy White Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup fresh cream or heavy cream
½ cup milk
½ cup chicken broth (optional but recommended)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp oregano or mixed herbs
½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Garnish
Fresh parsley or coriander (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix well and set aside for 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Remove from pan and keep aside.
Prepare the White Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add cream and milk, stir continuously.
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Cook on low heat until slightly thickened (5–7 minutes).
Combine
Add cooked chicken back into the sauce.
Add cheese (optional) and stir until melted.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce becomes creamy.
Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or bread.
Serving Suggestions
Olive oil or Turkish rice
With pasta or noodles
With naan or pita bread
With sautéed vegetables
Cooking Tips
Use low heat after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
For tangy flavor, add 1 tbsp yogurt or cream cheese.
For spicy version, add chili flakes.
Questions & Answers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes — thighs are juicier and work very well.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes. Use milk with 1 tbsp flour or cornflour to thicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this dish?
Not recommended because cream sauces may separate when thawed.
How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce butter.
What makes this “Turkish style”?
The mild seasoning, creamy texture, and herb balance reflect popular home-style cooking flavors found in Turkish cuisine.