Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender spiced ground chicken with a refreshing, tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe brings a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
2. Step 2: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Step 3: Wet your hands with water and shape the mixture into elongated oval koftas.
4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with olive oil.
5. Step 5: Grill the kofta for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the grilled kofta hot with the garlic yogurt sauce and your choice of sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped mint or dill to the kofta mixture.
• You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lamb for a different taste.
• Serve with warm pita bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
• If you don’t have a grill, cook the kofta in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce chilled in a separate container for up to 2 days. Reheat the kofta gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to shape and grill.

Is the garlic yogurt sauce spicy?

No, the garlic yogurt sauce is tangy and creamy with a mild garlic flavor. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little heat.

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe features tender, spiced ground chicken meatballs grilled to perfection and served with a tangy, creamy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s simple to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Kofta

• 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a consistent mixture.
2. Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the chicken mixture into elongated oval-shaped meatballs, ensuring they are firm but not too compact.
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grilling surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help achieve a nice sear on the kofta.
4. Grill the Kofta: Place the kofta on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning carefully, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
5. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. You can add a small amount of minced garlic to the sauce if desired for extra garlic flavor.
6. Serve: Plate the grilled chicken kofta and serve with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side. This dish pairs well with rice, flatbread, or a simple green salad.

Notes

• Ensure the kofta is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety.
• You can add minced garlic directly into the yogurt sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
• The kofta mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley for the best flavor, but cilantro or mint can be substituted.
• For a smoky flavor, consider cooking the kofta over charcoal or wood grill.

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Grilled Kofta, Middle Eastern Chicken, Ground Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meatballs