Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce features tender, spiced ground chicken koftas served with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 12 koftas)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 onion, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint or dill
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape mixture into 12 small oval or log-shaped koftas using damp hands.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook koftas in batches, turning every few minutes until golden brown and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes).
- While koftas cook, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and let rest to develop flavor.
- Serve koftas warm with the garlic yogurt sauce drizzled over or served on the side.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, avoid overmixing the meat and don’t overcook the koftas.
- You can bake the koftas at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or grated zucchini for added flavor and moisture.
- Serve with flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make the yogurt sauce ahead of time for deeper garlic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 koftas + sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
