Name: Flavorful Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Ground Chicken: 500 grams (about 1 pound); Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped; Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon; Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon; Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste); Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste); Plain Yogurt: 1 cup; Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for grilling)

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a weeknight wonder and a centerpiece-worthy meal all at once. Bursting with aromatic herbs, spices, and juicy chicken, this recipe delivers big flavors with just a handful of humble ingredients. The cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce takes every bite to the next level, and best of all, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bring together. If you love layering taste, color, and freshness, this dish is truly A Must-Try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chicken Kofta recipe so irresistible is its reliance on flavorful basics: each ingredient adds a noticeable pop to the final plate. Here’s everything you need, plus a quick tip for each one to bring out the best in your A Must-Try! experience.

Ground Chicken: Choose dark meat for extra juiciness, though any ground chicken will work and soak up the spices beautifully.
Onion: Finely chopped onion gives juicy moisture and a touch of sweetness to the kofta.
Garlic: Mince the garlic finely so it melts right into both the kofta and the yogurt sauce, giving a gentle heat and aroma.
Fresh Parsley: Brings color, freshness, and a grassy note that balances the richer flavors.
Ground Cumin: This earthy spice is a classic kofta essential, offering depth and warmth.
Ground Coriander: Coriander’s citrusy profile lifts every bite and pairs beautifully with both the chicken and the yogurt.
Salt: Don’t skimp—well-seasoned kofta make all the difference, so taste as you go if you can!
Black Pepper: A must for subtle heat, freshly ground pepper has the brightest flavor here.
Plain Yogurt: Choose full-fat for a luxurious, creamy sauce, though any unsweetened plain yogurt is delicious.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for a bright, tangy boost in the garlic yogurt sauce.
Olive Oil: Just a brush on the pan or grill helps achieve that golden, slightly crisp finish on your kofta.

How to Make Flavorful Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Combine Aromatics and Chicken

Start by adding the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley to a large mixing bowl. This combo will form the flavor-packed base for your kofta mixture. Mixing with your hands will help evenly distribute everything and infuse the chicken with the herbs and aromatics—a hands-on start to your A Must-Try!

Step 2: Add Spices and Seasonings

Next, sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Work these spices into the mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat—just enough to marry all the flavors. This step is key for achieving that classic kofta taste that makes this dish A Must-Try!

Step 3: Shape the Kofta

It’s shaping time! Wet your hands with a bit of water to keep the mixture from sticking, then form the chicken mixture into elongated ovals or rounded sausage shapes. Keeping them even in size ensures they cook at the same rate and makes for a beautiful final presentation.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Get your grill or grill pan hot, brush it with the olive oil, and gently lay down your koftas. Grill for 5–7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through—juicy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside. Take a minute to savor the sizzle and aroma as they cook!

Step 5: Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Grate or mince a clove or two of garlic into the sauce for a fragrant, zesty finish; stir until smooth and creamy. This cool, vibrant sauce is what makes every bite of chicken kofta A Must-Try!

How to Serve Flavorful Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sumac or paprika make for the prettiest—and tastiest—finishing touches. For even more color and crunch, try a scattering of pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts. The right garnish really makes your A Must-Try! chicken kofta plate pop.

Side Dishes

Pile your kofta onto buttery basmati rice, nestle them into warm pita, or pair with a simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Roasted vegetables, lemony tabbouleh, or a bright carrot slaw are all fantastic choices that round out this A Must-Try!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve kofta as mini sliders in brioche buns topped with yogurt sauce and fresh greens, or skewer them for a party platter. For a family feast, arrange the kofta atop a big platter of grains with sauce in a bowl for drizzling—or just let everyone go wild building their own A Must-Try! bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover kofta can be cooled completely, then stored airtight in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate to prevent sogginess and keep the flavors bright. The next day’s wrap, pita, or salad is basically begging for these!

Freezing

If you’d like to make a batch of this A Must-Try! dish ahead of time, shape the kofta uncooked, then freeze on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Transfer to a ziptop bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling, so you’re always minutes away from a flavor-packed meal.

Reheating

To reheat, lay kofta in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a quicker meal, pop them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and cover until hot. The yogurt sauce can be served cold straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully and soaks up all the spices, keeping this recipe firmly in the A Must-Try! category. Just watch the cooking time—lean turkey can cook a little faster, so keep an eye out for doneness.

How can I keep my kofta from falling apart?

If your chicken mixture feels a bit loose, chilling it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before shaping can help them hold together. If still too soft, add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs as needed—either way, they’ll come out fabulous.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! A grill pan or even a regular nonstick skillet on the stove will give you golden, delicious results. Just be sure to brush the pan well with olive oil before adding your kofta.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all—this A Must-Try! recipe is full of flavor but mild in heat. If you’d like a kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the mix when shaping your kofta. It’s entirely up to you!

Can I make the garlic yogurt sauce ahead?

Yes! Make the sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated—this actually lets the flavors mingle and intensify, making your serving moment even more inviting. Just stir before serving as it may thicken slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a platter of home-cooked Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce around the table—the flavors, the aromas, and the satisfaction are all what make this recipe A Must-Try! Whether you’re impressing friends or just treating yourself to something special, you truly can’t go wrong. Give it a go and let it become your newest dinnertime favorite!

Flavorful Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines spiced ground chicken kofta with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests!

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley. Add ground cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Wet your hands and shape the mixture into elongated oval kofta.
Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Grill the kofta for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
Serve the kofta with the garlic yogurt sauce and your choice of sides.

Notes

You can add additional spices or herbs to the chicken kofta mixture for more flavor.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the garlic yogurt sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern