Name: Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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 (or 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); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh); Salt, to taste

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Introduction

Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for grilling season. These tender meatballs, packed with spices and herbs, pair beautifully with a tangy and creamy yogurt sauce, making for a delightful meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

The image shows a brown bowl filled with a creamy white sauce with green herbs mixed in. On top, there are seven pieces of golden brown, slightly charred grilled meatballs, arranged closely together. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce for garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (substitutable 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 lemon juice (fresh is ideal)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the koftas in a hot skillet with olive oil until cooked through and browned.
Use fresh garlic in the yogurt sauce for a more intense garlic flavor, or add chopped mint for a refreshing twist.
Substitute parsley with cilantro if you prefer its bright, citrusy notes.

Storage

Store any leftover kofta and yogurt sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the kofta gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and stirred before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a plate of grilled meat skewers and meatballs, with a total of six pieces: three round meatballs and three oval meat skewers on wooden sticks. Each piece is golden brown with visible char marks and herbs inside the meat. The dish is covered in a white creamy sauce with green herb bits scattered across it. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top and around the meat, adding color contrast. The food is served in a wide, shallow white plate with a blue patterned rim, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these koftas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture and shape them a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill to preserve freshness.

What can I serve with chicken kofta?

Chicken kofta pairs well with a variety of sides such as warm pita bread, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.