Pin
Juicy chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce is my weeknight go-to when I am craving something comforting but need dinner fast. These savory patties grill up in minutes and the zesty yogurt sauce is wildly refreshing. Each bite brings a burst of fresh herbs and warm spices, making it almost impossible to resist second helpings.
One chilly evening my family arrived home hungry from a long day and I whipped up this chicken kofta in less than thirty minutes. Now everyone requests it when they smell onions and garlic sizzling in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: for juicy tender kofta look for freshly ground with no added fillers
- Onion: brings sweetness and moisture pick a firm tightly layered onion
- Garlic: adds warmth and depth finely mince for even distribution
- Fresh parsley: brightens the dish use flat leaf for best flavor and color
- Ground cumin: earthy and aromatic buy whole seeds and grind fresh if you can
- Ground coriander: nutty and lemony choose ground from a sealed jar for freshness
- Salt: enhances flavors use kosher or sea salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper: gives gentle heat freshly cracked makes a difference
- Plain yogurt: tangy and cooling go for a thick unsweetened variety
- Lemon juice: brightens and lifts the yogurt sauce squeeze your own for best taste
- Olive oil: for grilling prevents sticking and adds flavor use a robust extra virgin oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Kofta Mixture:
- Combine ground chicken chopped onion minced garlic and fresh parsley in a large bowl using clean hands or a fork for even mixing
- Season and Bind:
- Add ground cumin ground coriander salt and black pepper then gently mix until the spices and herbs are evenly blended throughout do not overmix as this can make the kofta tough
- Shape the Kofta:
- Wet your hands with water then take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into elongated oval patties about three inches long and one inch thick repeat until all the mixture is used
- Grill the Kofta:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium high heat then use a brush or paper towel to coat the grates with olive oil place the kofta on the hot grill and cook for five to seven minutes per side turning gently until golden brown and the meat is cooked through
- Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- While the kofta grills combine plain yogurt lemon juice a pinch of salt and the reserved minced garlic in a small bowl whisk until smooth and creamy taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed
- Rest and Serve:
- Once grilled transfer the kofta to a plate and let them rest at least three minutes to keep the juices locked in serve with dollops of garlic yogurt sauce and enjoy right away
Pin
Whenever I chop parsley for this dish the scent always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. It is such a simple herb but it brings so much freshness and color to the plate. Serving this to my family on a busy evening always feels a little special.
Storage Tips
Store leftover kofta and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The kofta stays moist and tender for up to three days and reheats gently on the stovetop or in the oven. The sauce will keep for about as long but just give it a stir if it separates.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find ground chicken try ground turkey as it delivers a similar texture. Parsley can be swapped for fresh cilantro if you prefer a different herbal flavor in your kofta. For a dairy free yogurt sauce use a plain plant based yogurt and a generous squeeze of lemon juice for tang.
Serving Suggestions
Pile kofta on a platter with warm saffron rice or nestle them into a pita. A fresh cucumber salad or pickled onions add a crisp contrast. Sometimes I scatter a few radishes or olives alongside for extra punch.
Pin
Cultural Context
Kofta is a beloved Middle Eastern dish traditionally made with lamb or beef and cooked over open flames. This lighter chicken version honors those flavors while being quick and approachable for any night of the week. Sharing kofta together always brings a bit of the festive market feel right into my kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I bake the chicken kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the kofta in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
- → What side dishes complement chicken kofta?
Serve with saffron rice, warm flatbread, tabbouleh, or fresh cucumber salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.
- → How do I keep kofta from falling apart on the grill?
Combine ingredients thoroughly without overmixing and chill the shaped kofta in the fridge before grilling to help them hold their shape.
- → Can other meats be used instead of chicken?
Ground turkey or beef are good alternatives, offering different flavor profiles but similar texture and cooking methods.
- → Why should the kofta rest after grilling?
Resting for 3-5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, preserving moisture and enhancing tenderness in each bite.