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Chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce is the kind of dish I reach for whenever I want something quick but impressive. The chicken comes out juicy and fragrant, kissed with warm spices, while the creamy yogurt sauce cools everything down perfectly. This recipe has turned weeknight dinners into something that feels both comforting and just a little bit special.
When I first tried these chicken kofta during a busy weekday, I was amazed how such a simple mix of ingredients could taste so vibrant. The garlic yogurt sauce gets requests every time and my family devours everything before I have time to clean up.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Ground chicken: for juicy texture and easy shaping choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor
- Onion: for natural sweetness and moisture chop finely so the onion melts into the chicken
- Garlic: gives the kofta and yogurt sauce an aromatic kick use fresh for full flavor
- Fresh parsley: brightens the mixture and provides color go for crisp green parsley with no wilting
- Ground cumin: brings warmth and earthiness always opt for freshly ground cumin if you can
- Ground coriander: for citrusy depth and a subtle sweet note check for freshness by smelling before using
- Salt and black pepper: enhance all flavors taste for seasoning before shaping
- Plain yogurt: is the creamy base for the sauce whole milk yogurt gives the richest result
- Lemon juice: lends freshness and tang to the sauce use freshly squeezed for best taste
- Olive oil: keeps the kofta from sticking during grilling and adds flavor use extra virgin for best results
How to Make It
- Mix the Chicken Base:
- Combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl. Work the mixture gently by hand so it all blends evenly and stays light. The mixture should feel sticky but not wet.
- Add Spices and Season:
- Sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until the spices are evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the kofta dense so stop as soon as things are combined.
- Shape the Kofta:
- Wet your hands with cool water. Take a scoop of mixture and form into an elongated oval or small patties for easy grilling. This shape cooks evenly and looks authentic.
- Preheat and Oil the Grill:
- Set your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
- Grill the Kofta:
- Lay the shaped kofta gently on the hot surface. Grill for five to seven minutes per side, turning once with a spatula, until both sides have a golden crust and the inside is fully cooked through. They should reach a temperature of at least seventy-five degrees Celsius.
- Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- While the kofta cook, stir together plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and add a little extra garlic or lemon if you like things zesty.
- Serve:
- Let the kofta sit just a few minutes after grilling so they stay juicy. Plate with a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce and scatter with extra fresh herbs if you like.
The yogurt sauce has always been my favorite part I sometimes whisk in extra lemon or a pinch of saffron to give it a pop of flavor. These kofta remind me of long family barbecues when everyone gathered around waiting for the first batch to come off the grill.
Flavor Boosters
Store any leftover kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven so they do not dry out. The garlic yogurt sauce will keep for three days but is best served fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken kofta with warm flatbread or gluten free wraps alongside crunchy vegetables like cucumber and tomato. They also pair wonderfully with a rice pilaf or a simple tabbouleh salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Twists
Chicken kofta has roots spanning the Middle East and South Asia where spiced meatballs are a staple of both street food stalls and home kitchens. The yogurt sauce has a cooling effect that balances the smokiness and spice of the grilled meat which is why these flavors are found together in so many regional cuisines.
This dish is just as crowd-pleasing as it is quick to make. Enjoy experimenting with herbs and spices for your perfect kofta version.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What makes the kofta tender?
Mixing ground chicken with onion, parsley, and spices helps retain moisture, resulting in tender kofta.
- → Can I cook kofta without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even bake the kofta in the oven until fully cooked.
- → Is the garlic yogurt sauce tangy?
The sauce is tangy thanks to plain yogurt and lemon juice, balanced by fresh garlic and a pinch of salt.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Serve with flatbreads, rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- → Can I adjust the spices?
Absolutely, feel free to increase or swap spices to match your preferences or add a hint of chili for heat.