Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
