Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground chicken meatballs grilled to perfection and served with a tangy garlic-infused yogurt sauce. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal ideal for a light lunch or dinner, combining aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a creamy complement that balances the savory koftas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Kofta
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (additional for the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to ensure even seasoning throughout the kofta.
- Form the Koftas: Shape the mixture into small meatballs or oval-shaped patties, about the size of a golf ball, making sure they are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the koftas with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Cook the Koftas: Grill the koftas for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until they are cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and nicely charred on the outside.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and additional minced garlic until smooth. Adjust salt to taste if desired, then chill the sauce until serving time to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken koftas on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Garnish with extra parsley if preferred.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar lean protein option.
- For an even more intense flavor, marinate the kofta mixture for 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, you can cook the koftas in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Serving with warm pita bread or a fresh salad complements this dish well.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be prepared a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Grilled Chicken Meatballs, Middle Eastern Recipe, Healthy Chicken Recipe