Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for Flavor Lovers Recipe

Introduction

This juicy chicken kofta, paired with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, is a flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, it offers a delicious and healthy alternative for meat lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (can be substituted with cilantro)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for grilling
• 1 cup plain yogurt (substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free version)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Use clean hands to mix all ingredients together until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into 10-12 oval kofta pieces.
4. Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
5. Step 5: Grill the kofta for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the plain yogurt with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the grilled kofta alongside the creamy garlic yogurt sauce with your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
• Swap parsley for cilantro if you prefer a different herb aroma.
• Use a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
• Try serving with warm pita bread and a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist. The garlic yogurt sauce is best kept separately and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chicken kofta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape it a few hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.

Is it possible to bake the kofta instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Bake the kofta on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through until cooked through.

Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for Flavor Lovers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

This Juicy Chicken Kofta recipe features flavorful ground chicken meatballs seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for flavor lovers, this dish offers a tender, juicy texture with a zesty and creamy accompaniment that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a wholesome meal.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 koftas 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Kofta

• 1 pound Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Substitutable with cilantro)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for grilling)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup Plain Yogurt (Substitute with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt, a sprinkle to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into 10-12 oval-shaped meatballs, ensuring they are compact but not too dense for juicy results.
3. Preheat and Oil the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grates with olive oil. This step helps prevent the kofta from sticking and promotes even cooking.
4. Grill the Kofta: Place the shaped kofta onto the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are safe and fully cooked.
5. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the kofta grills, combine the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt in a separate bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve: Plate the grilled kofta alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Consider pairing with your favorite side dishes such as rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Notes

• For a leaner kofta, substitute ground chicken with ground turkey.
• If you prefer a dairy-free sauce, use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
• Wet your hands before shaping the kofta to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Ensure the grill is properly oiled and heated to avoid sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
• Check the internal temperature of the kofta with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 75°C (165°F) for food safety.
• Fresh herbs like parsley can be replaced with cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Grilled Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Ground Chicken Recipe, Healthy Grilled Meatballs