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
Scale
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.
