Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful, aromatic dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. These tender meatballs are infused with fresh herbs and spices, paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce that complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Pita bread or rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients.
2. Step 2: Take a small amount of the mixture (about a teaspoon) and cook it in a pan until fully cooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning in the main mixture as needed.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch long and 1-inch diameter shapes, resembling small sausages or oblong meatballs. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4 (Optional): Place the shaped kofta on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
5. Step 5: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Step 6: Carefully place the kofta in the skillet, leaving space between each. Sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook the kofta for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Step 8 (Optional): Remove the kofta from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.
10. Step 10: Season the garlic yogurt sauce with salt and pepper to taste and mix well until combined.
11. Step 11 (Optional): Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
12. Step 12: Arrange the cooked chicken kofta on a serving platter. Drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture and flavor, use dark meat chicken instead of breast.
• To add a smoky depth, try grilling the kofta instead of pan-searing.
• Swap fresh herbs with dried if needed, but reduce quantity to avoid overpowering.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
• The garlic yogurt sauce can be made a day ahead for convenience.

Storage

Store cooked chicken kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat kofta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to maintain moisture. Serve with freshly prepared or chilled sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for chicken in this recipe. Dark turkey meat is best to keep the kofta moist and flavorful.

How do I prevent kofta from falling apart while cooking?

Make sure not to overmix the ingredients and consider chilling the formed kofta before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender ground chicken kofta seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Pan-seared to a golden perfection and served with a creamy, zesty garlic yogurt sauce, it’s perfect for a hearty meal accompanied by warm pita bread or fragrant rice.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Kofta

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Pita bread or rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender kofta.
2. Test the Seasoning: Take a small amount of the mixture (about a teaspoon) and cook it in a pan until cooked through. Taste it and adjust the seasoning in the main bowl if needed to ensure balanced flavors.
3. Form the Kofta: Form the kofta into 1.5 to 2-inch long and 1-inch diameter shapes, resembling small sausages or oblong meatballs. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking while shaping.
4. Chill the Kofta (Optional): Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the kofta hold their shape better during cooking.
5. Cook the Chicken Kofta: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing to sear the kofta evenly.
6. Sear the Kofta: Carefully place the kofta in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, developing a crisp exterior.
7. Cook Through: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest the Kofta (Optional): Remove the kofta from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
9. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.
10. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the sauce according to your preference, ensuring a bright and balanced flavor.
11. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
12. Chill the Sauce (Optional): Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
13. Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken kofta on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Using dark meat ground chicken helps keep the kofta moist and flavorful.
• Chilling the formed kofta before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
• You can adjust the cayenne pepper or omit it to control the heat level.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and dill add brightness; do not substitute with dried herbs for best flavor.
• The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
• Serve with pita bread for a traditional touch or rice for a more filling option.

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern Chicken, Ground Chicken Recipe, Healthy Kofta, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy Chicken Kofta