Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season. These spiced ground chicken patties pair beautifully with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, making a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500 g) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Knead the mixture with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well mixed.
2. Step 2: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into oval patties or pressed logs, about the size of your palm.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil.
4. Step 4: Grill the kofta for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: While the kofta cooks, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
6. Step 6: Arrange the grilled kofta on a serving platter and drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce. Serve warm with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture if you like a bit of heat.
• For a richer flavor, swap ground chicken with ground lamb.
• To keep the kofta moist, avoid overworking the meat mixture when shaping.

Storage

Store leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to prevent drying out. The garlic yogurt sauce is best stored separately and can last up to 2 days refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook chicken kofta indoors?

Yes, chicken kofta can be cooked on a grill pan or in a broiler if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! The mixture can be prepared and shaped up to a day in advance. Keep the shaped kofta covered and refrigerated until ready to grill.

Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This delicious Chicken Kofta recipe features spiced ground chicken grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs, these koftas offer a flavorful, tender bite ideal for a healthy and satisfying meal. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy complement, making this dish a crowd-pleaser served alongside warm pita, rice, or salad.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Kofta

• 1 lb (500 g) ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix the kofta ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Knead thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Shape the kofta: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into oval patties or pressed logs about the size of your palm.
3. Preheat and oil the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure a good sear.
4. Grill the kofta: Place the shaped koftas onto the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully. Grill them until they are golden brown and an internal meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
5. Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce: While the koftas grill, whisk together plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Serve and garnish: Arrange the grilled koftas on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture if you prefer some heat.
• You can substitute ground chicken with ground lamb for a richer, more traditional flavor.
• Ensure the grill or grill pan is hot before placing the kofta to get a nice sear and prevent sticking.
• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor; dried parsley will not provide the same brightness.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Keywords: Chicken kofta, grilled kofta, garlic yogurt sauce, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, healthy grilled chicken, spiced chicken patties