If you’re looking for a dish that brings together juicy, flavorful chicken and a refreshing, tangy sauce, you have to try this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. These spiced meatballs are tender and perfectly seasoned with herbs and warm spices, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast that makes every bite truly memorable. It’s a Middle Eastern-inspired delight that’s straightforward to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and destined to become a new favorite weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture. From fragrant herbs to comforting spices and fresh garlic, this simple but carefully balanced list is what makes the recipe sing.
- Ground chicken: The lean and mild base that soaks up all the spices and herbs perfectly.
- Onion, finely grated: Adds moisture and sweetness to keep the koftas tender and juicy.
- Minced garlic: Builds a savory depth in the kofta and the yogurt sauce.
- Fresh parsley and mint, chopped: Brighten the flavor with herbal freshness and a subtle coolness.
- Ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika: These warm spices create the classic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every note in the dish.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and gently lighten the texture without drying it out.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the koftas moist while cooking.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic sauce that balances the spices beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Gives the yogurt sauce a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh dill or parsley for the sauce: Adds a fresh herbal note that complements the garlic.
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken with all the flavorful seasonings and herbs in a large bowl. Grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and mint mix with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika to build that unmistakable kofta character. Breadcrumbs and olive oil are folded in to create the right texture and to keep your koftas extra juicy once cooked. Mix everything thoroughly but gently to evenly distribute the flavors without overworking the meat.
Step 2: Shape the Koftas
Divide the seasoned meat mixture into eight equal portions. Shape each into an oval or cylindrical shape with your hands. This shape is perfect for even cooking and gives them a lovely rustic look. If the mixture feels sticky, wet your hands slightly for easier shaping.
Step 3: Cook the Koftas
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the koftas in the pan, cooking for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a golden-brown crust on all sides and to ensure they cook evenly inside. The goal is a juicy interior cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. The smell alone while cooking is a delicious preview of what’s to come.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the koftas cook, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill or parsley in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is creamy and tangy with just the right amount of garlicky punch to pair wonderfully with the warm spices in the koftas. You’ll find it irresistible.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Plate the koftas warm with a generous drizzle of this garlic yogurt sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor of your koftas with fresh, simple garnishes like chopped parsley, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a few lemon wedges. These add color and an extra layer of freshness to the dish, making it look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Chicken koftas go wonderfully with warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or fluffy aromatic rice. These sides help balance the spices and round out the meal, creating a well-loved Middle Eastern experience that your family and friends will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the koftas on skewers with the garlic yogurt sauce in small dipping bowls. Alternatively, create a mezze platter with hummus, olives, fresh veggies, and flatbreads alongside the koftas for a shareable feast that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked shaped koftas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen koftas are best cooked within a month for optimal flavor and texture. This technique is a fantastic way to have homemade dinners ready whenever you need them.
Reheating
Reheat cooked koftas gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warmed through, taking care not to dry them out. Serve freshly garnished and with a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce to revive their delicious charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute turkey for chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a slightly different flavor while keeping the dish wholesome and lean. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the kofta mixture. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. The flavors actually meld nicely the longer it sits, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or mint?
Fresh herbs add a lovely brightness, but if you don’t have them on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use about one-third of the amount and adjust to taste.
How do I know when the koftas are fully cooked?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F. Otherwise, cut into one to ensure the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is a keeper. It’s packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and a creamy tangy sauce that transforms simple ground chicken into something truly special. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern main course featuring spiced ground chicken shaped into koftas, grilled to perfection and served with a tangy garlic-infused Greek yogurt sauce. This healthy and aromatic dish combines fragrant herbs and spices, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval or cylindrical kofta, ensuring they are compact for even cooking.
- Preheat and Cook Koftas: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Place the koftas on the pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Cook until the koftas reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the koftas are cooking, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and chopped dill or parsley in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the warm chicken koftas drizzled with the garlic yogurt sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with warm pita bread, a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can alternatively bake the koftas at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for a different cooking approach.
- Serve with warm pita bread, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, or rice for added flavor and texture.
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred for a leaner option.
- To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the kofta mixture.
