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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 small onion, finely grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling) To make chicken kofta, you need fresh ground chicken. I like using ground chicken for its lean quality and rich flavor. The grated onion adds moisture and sweetness. Minced garlic gives a strong, tasty kick. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Spices like cumin and coriander add warmth. Paprika gives a subtle smokiness, while salt and pepper enhance the flavor. If you love heat, add cayenne pepper. - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint for a twist) - Salt and pepper to taste The garlic yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt provides a thick texture. Minced garlic adds a bold flavor. Lemon juice brightens it up. Fresh dill gives a nice herbal note. You can also use mint if you want a different taste. Salt and pepper adjust the flavor to your liking. - Chopped mint (for a fresh twist) - Extra spices, like smoked paprika or cumin - Red onion for a sharper taste If you want to change things up, add chopped mint to the sauce. You can also play with spices. Smoked paprika adds depth. Red onion can give a sharper bite. These options let you make the dish your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, onion, garlic, and parsley. Add ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a kick. Place all these into a large bowl. Mix gently until everything blends. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your koftas tough. The goal is a smooth mix that holds together well. Wet your hands before shaping to prevent sticking. Now it's time to shape the koftas. Take a handful of the mixture and form it into oval shapes. Aim for about the size of a small egg. You should get about twelve koftas. Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the koftas for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure; they should reach 165°F. While the koftas are cooking, make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add dill or mint for extra flavor. Mix well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the koftas are done, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over the koftas for a delicious finish. Enjoy your meal! To make great koftas, start with fresh ingredients. Use high-quality ground chicken for the best taste. Grate the onion finely so it blends in well. This prevents big chunks in the koftas. Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Wet your hands when shaping. This helps prevent sticking. Cook the koftas on medium heat. This way, they brown nicely without burning. Use a non-stick skillet or grill for easy cooking. Brush with olive oil to keep them moist. Do not skip the spices. They add flavor and depth to your koftas. Avoid using cold chicken from the fridge. Room temperature meat mixes better and cooks evenly. Don’t cook them too long. This can make them dry. Make sure to let the koftas rest after cooking. This allows the juices to settle. Never skip the garlic yogurt sauce! It adds creaminess and balance to the dish. For maximum flavor, let the kofta mixture sit for 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to meld together. You can also add zest from a lemon for extra brightness. Try adding fresh herbs like mint or dill to the yogurt sauce. This will give it a fresh taste. Experiment with spices, too! A pinch of cinnamon or allspice can add warmth. Serve the koftas with warm pita and a fresh salad. This adds texture and freshness to your meal. Pro Tips Keep It Moist: To ensure your koftas remain juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they're well mixed. Grill Marks Matter: For an appealing presentation, make sure to let the koftas sear properly on each side, which creates a beautiful golden brown crust. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm undertone. Chill Your Sauce: For the best flavor, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. {{image_2}} You can make koftas without meat. For a tasty vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. Simply mash them well, then mix in grated onion, minced garlic, and spices. Fresh herbs add flavor, too. Try parsley or cilantro. Shape them just like the chicken version, and grill or bake until golden. These veggie koftas are hearty and satisfying. Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper to the mix. Adjust how much you use based on your taste. For a milder version, skip the cayenne. You can also play with spices. Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or add a pinch of cumin for warmth. Always taste the mixture before cooking to match your spice preference. Koftas are great for many meals. Serve them as appetizers for a party. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over them to impress your guests. For a family dinner, plate the koftas with sides like rice or salad. They also work well in pita bread for a fun wrap. Add fresh veggies and extra sauce for a flavorful bite. To keep your leftover koftas fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them. This helps prevent moisture buildup. When you are ready to enjoy the leftover koftas, you can reheat them easily. Put them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about five minutes on each side. You want them warm and slightly crispy. You can also use the microwave. Heat them for about 1-2 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat them. If you want to save koftas for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for a couple of hours until firm. Once frozen, put them in a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use ground turkey. It has a similar texture and taste. Using ground turkey makes the koftas leaner. They may cook a bit differently, so watch the time. Turkey can dry out faster, so don't overcook them. You have many options to pair with Chicken Kofta. Here are some great ideas: - Warm pita bread - Fresh salad with cucumber and tomato - Rice or couscous - Grilled vegetables - Hummus or baba ghanoush for dipping These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also make it more filling. Garlic Yogurt Sauce lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Make sure to keep it cold. If it smells or looks off, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy it as a dip or on other dishes for extra flavor! You now know how to make tasty Chicken Kofta and a yummy Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Remember to avoid common mistakes to make great koftas. You can try different variations and even store leftovers for later. With these tips, you can impress friends and family at any meal. Enjoy making this dish and have fun experimenting with flavors!

Savory Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Delicious chicken koftas served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint for a twist)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Wet your hands and shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas (around the size of a small egg). You should get about 12 koftas.
  • Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil.
  • Cook the koftas for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown crust.
  • While the koftas are cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill (or mint), and seasoning with salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Once the koftas are fully cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

Notes

Serve with warm pita bread and a side of fresh salad.
Keyword chicken, grilling, kofta, yogurt sauce