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