This Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful, juicy, and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner. The spiced ground chicken is shaped into tender koftas, then grilled or pan-cooked and served with a cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce that brings everything together. I love how this dish feels both hearty and fresh at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor but incredibly simple to make. The chicken koftas are seasoned with warm spices, fresh herbs, and onion to make them extra juicy and tender. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the spices perfectly. It’s a great dish for meal prep, and I can serve it with rice, flatbread, or salad depending on what I’m in the mood for.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Kofta:
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Ground chicken
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Onion (grated or finely minced)
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Garlic (minced)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
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Ground cumin
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Ground coriander
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Paprika or chili powder
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Salt and black pepper
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Olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
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Plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
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Garlic (grated or minced)
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Lemon juice
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Optional: fresh mint or dill for extra flavor
Directions
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In a large bowl, I combine the ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, herbs, and all the spices. I mix it gently with my hands or a spoon until just combined—being careful not to overmix.
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I shape the mixture into small oval or log-shaped koftas using wet hands for easier handling.
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I heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil.
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I cook the koftas in batches, turning them every few minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 10–12 minutes.
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While the koftas cook, I mix together the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. I stir until smooth and let it sit to develop flavor.
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Once the koftas are cooked, I serve them warm with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 koftas, serving 4 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and another 15–20 minutes to cook. I can have everything ready in about 35 minutes.
Variations
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I swap chicken for ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
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I add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the spice mix for a Middle Eastern twist.
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I serve the koftas wrapped in pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a quick sandwich.
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For a low-carb option, I pair them with cucumber salad or roasted vegetables.
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I sometimes add a little grated zucchini to the mix for extra moisture and nutrition.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The yogurt sauce stays fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, I warm the koftas in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes. I stir the yogurt sauce before serving, and sometimes add a squeeze of lemon if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
What is kofta?
Kofta refers to ground meat (often beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey) mixed with spices and shaped into balls or logs. I usually grill or pan-fry them for a juicy, flavorful result.
Can I bake the koftas instead of frying?
Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They turn out juicy and slightly browned.
What can I serve with chicken kofta?
I usually pair them with warm flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad. Hummus, tabbouleh, or roasted veggies also go really well with them.
How do I keep koftas from drying out?
I include grated onion or a bit of olive oil in the mix to keep them juicy. I also avoid overcooking, and I don’t overmix the meat.
Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and I recommend it. Making the sauce ahead gives the garlic more time to infuse into the yogurt. I just keep it chilled until serving.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of those meals I keep coming back to. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether I serve it with a side of rice or wrap it up in a flatbread, it always feels satisfying and fresh. It’s a dish that brings comfort and bold flavor to the table—every single time.
