Description

This Juicy Chicken Kofta recipe features flavorful ground chicken meatballs seasoned with aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with Middle Eastern flair.

Ingredients

Chicken Kofta

1 pound ground chicken (Preferably fresh.)
1 small onion, finely chopped (For added flavor.)
2 cloves garlic, minced (For flavor in kofta.)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (Adds freshness.)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (For warmth.)
1 teaspoon ground coriander (Adds depth.)
½ teaspoon paprika (For color.)
Salt and pepper, to taste (For seasoning.)
1 tablespoon olive oil (For brushing the grill.)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt (Choose a yogurt with good fat content.)
1 clove garlic, minced (For flavor in sauce.)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (Adds tang.)
Salt and pepper, to taste (For seasoning.)
Fresh parsley (For presentation.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully incorporated to ensure even flavor throughout the kofta.
Shape Kofta: Divide the mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into long, oval-shaped kofta, which helps them cook evenly and develop a nice char on the grill.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the kofta from sticking during cooking.
Grill Kofta: Place the shaped kofta on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the kofta are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the kofta cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until smooth and flavorful.
Rest Kofta: After grilling, remove the kofta from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Serve: Serve the warm chicken kofta with a side of garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

You can use ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat option.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the kofta in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to deepen flavors.
Serving suggestion: Pair with warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.