Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Juicy spiced chicken patties are grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce that adds a bright, creamy touch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500 g) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Knead the mixture with your hands or a spatula until everything is well incorporated.
2. Step 2: Wet your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into oval patties or pressed logs.
3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil.
4. Step 4: Grill the kofta for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: While grilling, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
6. Step 6: Arrange the cooked kofta on a serving platter, drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce, and serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture for a spicy kick.
• For a richer flavor, substitute ground lamb for the chicken.
• Wet your hands each time you shape the kofta to prevent sticking and ensure even shaping.

Storage

Store any leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist. The garlic yogurt sauce should be kept separate and stirred before serving after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make kofta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape the patties a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and grill just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What can I serve with chicken kofta?

Chicken kofta pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, tabbouleh, or a crisp green salad. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a cooling, zesty contrast to the spices.

Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

Savor the flavors of tender, spiced chicken kofta grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. This recipe combines ground chicken with aromatic herbs and spices, creating juicy kofta patties that pair beautifully with the creamy, tangy sauce. Perfect for a flavorful main dish accompanied by warm pita, rice, or salad.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kofta

• 1 lb (500 g) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
• Pinch of salt

Optional

• A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
• Ground lamb in place of chicken for richer flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Shape the Kofta: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take handfuls of the mixture and shape them into oval patties or pressed logs, ensuring they are firm but not overly compressed.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the cooking surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
4. Grill the Kofta: Place the kofta on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the kofta develops a golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
5. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the kofta is grilling, whisk together plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Serve: Once grilled, arrange the kofta on a serving platter and drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce. Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• For a spicier kofta, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Substitute ground lamb instead of chicken for a richer, more traditional flavor.
• Ensure the meat thermometer reads 165°F for food safety.
• Wet hands before shaping to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the kofta.

Keywords: chicken kofta, grilled kofta, garlic yogurt sauce, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, ground chicken recipe, healthy kofta, grilled meat, chicken patties