Name: Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams ground chicken; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced ground chicken shaped into tender oval patties and grilled to perfection. Served with a zesty garlic yogurt sauce, it’s a delicious and healthy option for any meal.

The image shows three white skewers of grilled meatballs, each meatball browned with grill marks, stacked closely on the skewers. They are topped with a light drizzle of white sauce sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. Next to the skewers is a round pile of creamy white sauce with green herbs on top, and a single lemon wedge with light yellow color placed in the corner. A small green leaf garnish is also on the side. The food is on a white plate with a white marbled background. A woman's hand is partly visible near the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 2: Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a small egg.
Step 3: Preheat your grill and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the koftas for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
Step 5: While the koftas cook, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Step 6: Serve the grilled koftas hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
Fresh mint can be added to the yogurt sauce to provide a refreshing twist.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the koftas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

Storage

Store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve moisture. The garlic yogurt sauce is best stored separately and kept chilled for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Three wooden skewers with grilled meatballs, each meatball browned and slightly charred for a crispy texture. The meatballs are arranged close together on a white plate with a white marbled background. A creamy white sauce with green dill is drizzled over the meatballs in thin lines, adding a fresh look. A wedge of yellow lemon sits at the top left of the plate, and a dollop of the same dill sauce with a sprig of fresh green parsley is placed on the right side of the plate. 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 works well as a substitute and will produce similar results with a mild flavor.

How do I know when the koftas are fully cooked?

The koftas are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink inside. Cooking for 10-12 minutes with occasional turning usually ensures this.