Name: Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced; Pinch of salt; Pinch of cayenne pepper (for added heat); Ground lamb instead of chicken (for a richer flavor)

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Introduction

Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Juicy spiced chicken patties grilled to perfection pair beautifully with a cooling, tangy yogurt sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The image shows six grilled chicken kebabs with a golden brown, slightly charred surface, scattered with small green herb pieces, arranged on a white plate. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow color sit near the top edge of the plate, adding a fresh touch. A small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce, garnished with finely chopped green herbs, is placed near the lemon wedges. The white marbled texture underneath contrasts softly with the vibrant colors of the food. The overall look is warm, fresh, and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Make the Kofta Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until well blended and evenly mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta. Wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into oval patties or pressed logs. Alternatively, shape the mixture around skewers if desired. Arrange the kofta on a plate, making sure they do not touch each other.
Step 3: Grill the Kofta. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, and brush lightly with olive oil. Place the kofta on the grill, spacing them apart. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 4: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce. While the kofta grills, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy. Arrange the grilled kofta on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices if desired. Serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.

Tips & Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture for a spicy kick.
Swap ground chicken with ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor.
Lightly soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent burning on the grill.
For extra moisture, mix in a little grated onion juice or a tablespoon of yogurt into the kofta mixture.
If grilling isn’t possible, cook the kofta in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until browned and cooked through.

Storage

Store any leftover kofta and garlic yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the kofta gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist, and stir the sauce before serving again. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be stirred well after refrigerating.

How to Serve

The dish shows seven grilled meat skewers placed on a white plate with a blue inside texture, arranged in a slightly overlapping circular way with char marks and small green herb pieces on them; fresh green parsley leaves are scattered underneath and on top of the skewers. On the upper right side of the plate, there is a small black bowl filled with white creamy sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs, and next to it is a yellow lemon wedge. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the kofta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape them a few hours in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated before grilling to maintain freshness.

What is the best way to prevent the kofta from drying out?

Do not overcook the kofta; grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adding herbs, onion, and a little moisture to the mixture also helps keep them juicy.