Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground chicken shaped into patties or skewers, grilled to perfection and served with a tangy, creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This recipe balances savory spices with fresh herbs and a bright lemony sauce that complements the moist, tender kofta, ideal for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken 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)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (for added heat)
- Ground lamb instead of chicken (for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Make 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. Knead thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly mixed, ensuring a flavorful and uniform mixture.
- Shape the Kofta: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into oval patties or pressed logs. You can also form the mixture around skewers if desired. Place the shaped kofta on a plate, making sure they do not touch to avoid breaking apart during grilling.
- Grill the Kofta: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grilling surface with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kofta on the grill, spacing them evenly. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked but still moist.
- Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While grilling, mix plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated or minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. Add extra garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer.
- Serve & Enjoy: Arrange the grilled kofta on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve alongside warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for chicken for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture for a spicy kick.
- To prevent kofta from breaking on the grill, avoid overcrowding and do not flip them too frequently.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Grilled Kofta, Middle Eastern Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Kofta, Easy Kofta Recipe
