Middle Eastern-Style Spiced Chicken Kofta with Velvety Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Description
Middle Eastern chicken kofta is a flavorful dish made with ground chicken mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and garlic, then shaped into skewers or patties and grilled or pan-seared. The kofta is juicy, tender, and warmly spiced with cumin, coriander, and paprika. It’s served with a smooth, creamy garlic yogurt sauce that adds cool freshness and balance.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner, family meal, or party platter. Serve with flatbread, rice, or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Time Required
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marination (optional but recommended): 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~45–60 minutes
Ingredients
For Chicken Kofta
500 g ground chicken (minced chicken)
1 small onion, very finely chopped or grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp chili flakes or red chili powder (optional)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for binding)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 egg (optional, helps binding if mixture is loose)
For Velvety Garlic Yogurt Sauce
1 cup thick plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
½ tsp dried mint or fresh dill (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
Warm pita or flatbread
Sliced cucumbers
Tomato salad
Pickled onions
Rice or couscous
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
Add cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Mix in lemon juice and olive oil.
Add egg if the mixture feels too soft.
Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Tip: Chill the mixture for 20–30 minutes to help shaping and enhance flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta
Wet your hands slightly.
Shape mixture into:
Oval logs around skewers (traditional), OR
Small sausage shapes, OR
Round patties.
Step 3: Cook the Kofta
Pan Method
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook kofta 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Oven Method
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes.
Grill Method (Best Flavor)
Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl, whisk yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Drizzle olive oil on top.
Add mint or dill if desired.
Chill until serving.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange hot kofta on a plate.
Drizzle or serve with garlic yogurt sauce.
Pair with flatbread, salad, or rice.
Taste & Texture
Kofta: Juicy, tender, warm spices, slightly smoky.
Sauce: Creamy, tangy, garlicky, refreshing.
Overall: Rich yet balanced Middle Eastern flavor.
Chef Tips
Grated onion keeps kofta moist.
Don’t overmix or kofta becomes dense.
Chilling mixture helps prevent breaking.
Add chopped green chili for extra heat.
Use chicken thigh mince for juicier results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken?
Yes. Substitute with ground lamb or beef for more traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
2. Why is my kofta falling apart?
The mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs or chill before cooking.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Shape kofta and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I freeze chicken kofta?
Yes. Freeze raw shaped kofta for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
5. What can I serve with chicken kofta?
Hummus
Tabbouleh
Rice pilaf
Pita bread
Fresh cucumber salad
6. How do I make it healthier?
Bake or grill instead of frying and use low-fat yogurt.