Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This dish features perfectly seasoned chicken koftas — a blend of ground chicken, herbs, onion, and warm spices — grilled or pan-seared to golden perfection. They’re served with a cool, garlicky yogurt sauce that balances the savory richness beautifully. A simple yet elegant Mediterranean meal.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 small onion, finely grated (squeeze out excess water)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley (or cilantro)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for binding)
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain thick yogurt)
1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint (optional but lovely)
Optional Sides
Warm pita or flatbread
Cooked basmati rice or couscous
Simple cucumber tomato salad
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
2. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined.
3. Form into oval-shaped patties or small skewered logs (about 8–10 pieces).
4. Chill for 10 minutes — this helps them hold their shape.
Step 2: Cook the Koftas
Option 1 – Grill:
1. Brush each kofta lightly with olive oil.
2. Grill on medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
Option 2 – Pan-Sear:
1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
2. Cook koftas in batches for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
1. In a bowl, whisk yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
2. Stir in dill or mint if using.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lemon for brightness or garlic for punch.
4. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 4: Serve
1. Arrange koftas on a platter and drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce.
2. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
3. Serve with pita, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
Notes & Tips
For extra juiciness: Don’t over mix the meat; just combine gently.
Want it smoky? Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or smoked paprika.
Make ahead: Koftas can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Yogurt too thick? Thin it slightly with a tablespoon of water or milk.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I bake the koftas?
A: Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely — ground turkey works great with the same seasoning blend.
Q: What goes best on the side?
A: Try herbed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 36g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g