Description

This Tender Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Juicy, spiced chicken meatballs are paired with a rich, creamy garlic yogurt sauce, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week. Simple to make yet impressive in taste, this recipe brings aromatic spices and tender textures to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Kofta:

1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
1 small onion, finely grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or pan-frying)

For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
A sprinkle of paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add breadcrumbs and beaten egg, gently mixing again until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep kofta tender.
Divide mixture into 12-14 portions and shape each into an oval-shaped meatball. Place on a plate or tray.
Cook the kofta by your preferred method:
- Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook kofta 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place kofta on it, and bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread kofta onto skewers and grill 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped dill or parsley to make the sauce.
Serve the kofta drizzled with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Chill the chicken mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help kofta hold their shape.
Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking.
Store leftovers separately from sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes