Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams ground chicken (about 1 pound); 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); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Chicken kofta are flavorful, spiced meatballs shaped into ovals and grilled to perfection. Served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, this dish offers a delicious balance of savory and tangy flavors that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Three grilled kebabs with a golden brown and slightly charred texture lie on a white plate, each topped with a drizzle of creamy white sauce and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The kebabs have a rough, meaty surface with some darker charred spots, adding contrast to the creamy sauce. Fresh green herb leaves are scattered around the kebabs on the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of grated onion or a splash of milk to the kofta mixture before shaping.
To add a smoky flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika into the meat mixture.
If you prefer baking, cook the kofta on a lined baking sheet at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a pan over low heat to prevent drying out. The garlic yogurt sauce is best kept separate and can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Three grilled kebabs with light golden-brown char marks are placed side by side on a white plate. Each kebab is topped with a creamy white sauce that is spread unevenly, letting some of the browned surface show. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that softly reflects light, making the dish look fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work just as well in this recipe.

How do I prevent the kofta from falling apart while grilling?

Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and slightly wet your hands when shaping the kofta. Avoid flipping them too often and handle gently on the grill to keep them intact.