There’s something wonderfully comforting about the warm spices and juicy tenderness of a perfectly grilled kofta. This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want a bite that feels both fresh and hearty. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these golden, aromatic chicken koftas paired with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce hit all the right notes and make everyone ask for seconds.
Jump to:
- Meet the Magic Behind This Dish
- Why You’ll Love This
- The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work
- Step-by-Step: Bringing Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe to Life
- Pro Moves to Elevate It
- Switch It Up: Creative Variations
- Storage & Reheating Tips
- Serving Inspiration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Notes & Handy Tools
- Full Recipe
Meet the Magic Behind This Dish
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe was inspired by the vibrant street foods of the Middle East, where spices and herbs come alive in every bite. What makes this special is the juicy chicken, gently kissed by toasty cumin and coriander, balanced by the fresh brightness of parsley. One thing you’ll notice that defines this dish is how the warm, soft koftas melt into the cool, luscious garlic yogurt that crowns them. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe blends the juiciness of ground chicken with warm spices and herbaceous freshness, finished with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that feels both indulgent and light.
- Texture That Melts: The koftas are tender yet hold together beautifully, giving you a juicy bite every time.
- Flavor Layers You’ll Crave: Cumin and coriander offer earthiness while fresh parsley and lemon in the sauce add vibrant pops of brightness.
- Quick to Master: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a breezy recipe — perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Perfect Anytime Meal: Serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or part of a mezze spread — this recipe adapts to your mood and occasion.
The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work
The success of this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe really rests on fresh, quality ingredients. I always encourage you to pick ingredients that carry vibrant color, fresh aromas, and texture because it shows in the final dish’s flavor and mouthfeel.
- Ground chicken: Opt for fresh, lean ground chicken for tender, juicy koftas that hold moisture without greasiness.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, leafy parsley adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the warmth of the spices.
Quick Note: Precise amounts and timing live in the recipe card at the end.
Step-by-Step: Bringing Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe to Life
Step 1 — Gather, Chop, and Prep
Start by assembling your tools – a large mixing bowl, a sharp knife, and a grill or grill pan ready to heat up. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic with care (it should almost melt into the mixture), and roughly chop fresh parsley. When you mix everything with the ground chicken and spices, you’ll notice the texture knit together easily — that’s the sign you’re ready to shape your koftas into small, oval forms about the size of a large golf ball.
Step 2 — Heat, Stir, and Build Flavor
Preheat your grill until it’s lovely and hot, then brush lightly with olive oil to keep those koftas from sticking. As you place them on, you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle. Turn them every few minutes to get an even golden crust all around — the aroma of cumin and garlic will start to fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait! They’ll be cooked through in about 10-12 minutes, juicy and tender.
Step 3 — Finish and Taste-Test
While the koftas finish grilling, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste it — the sauce should be creamy with a bright, refreshing zip from the lemon and a smooth garlic kick. Serve the koftas hot, with the garlic yogurt sauce generously spooned on the side or drizzled atop. Feel free to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to make it truly your own.
Pro Moves to Elevate It
I’ve found that the grill temperature is key — too hot, and the koftas brown too fast while staying raw inside; too low, and you lose that delightful crust. Also, don’t overmix the meat; enough to combine but no more, so your koftas stay light. Preparing the garlic yogurt sauce ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a silky, tangy finish.
- Heat Wisdom: Medium-high heat works best for a crispy exterior while keeping the insides juicy.
- Timing Trick: Turn the koftas gently every 3-4 minutes to develop an even crust.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Mix the kofta ingredients in advance and chill to let flavors mingle before grilling.
- Common Slip-Up: Avoid packing the mixture too tight when shaping to keep them tender, not dense.
Switch It Up: Creative Variations
If you’re craving a little adventure, there are some delightful spins you can try with this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. Whether you lean toward bold spices or fresh herbs, there’s a way to personalize it that feels like home.
When You’re Feeling Bold
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky heat. Swap chicken for ground lamb or beef for a richer flavor profile. For different textures, try folding in finely chopped mint or diced green chili for a bright kick. These tweaks make this recipe uniquely yours every time you cook it.
Storage & Reheating Tips
You can store leftover koftas covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully — lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or oven to preserve the texture and not dry them out. The yogurt sauce keeps for a couple of days refrigerated but is best fresh, so consider making that just before serving.
Serving Inspiration
These chicken koftas pair wonderfully with toasted pita, a simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes, or even fluffy basmati rice. For something casual, pile them in wraps with fresh veggies. For a more elegant plate, arrange koftas simply atop a pool of garlic yogurt sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped parsley. A crisp white wine or minty iced tea can round out the experience beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients, so it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you pair it with gluten-free sides.
Yes! Use a grill pan or a well-oiled skillet over medium-high heat to achieve a similar toasty crust and juicy interior.
Make sure not to overmix the meat and pack them gently when shaping. Also, chilling the formed koftas for 15 minutes before cooking helps them hold better.
Definitely! Plain, full-fat yogurt works best for richness, but Greek yogurt can also be used if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Notes & Handy Tools
A sturdy mixing bowl and a whisk are all you really need — but a grill pan with ridges can be a game-changer if you don’t have outdoor grilling access. A fine grater or microplane for mincing garlic makes a big difference in texture, turning the sauce silky smooth. Lastly, a reliable digital meat thermometer helps ensure your koftas are perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy every time, especially if you’re new to working with ground chicken.
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground chicken formed into oval-shaped koftas, grilled to perfection, and served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce made with lemon juice and fresh garlic. It's a delicious and healthy main course perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Kofta
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Koftas: Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, approximately 2-3 inches in length, suitable for grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Koftas: Place the koftas on the preheated grill and cook for about 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled koftas on a serving platter and serve with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the koftas in the oven.
- Add a minced garlic clove to the yogurt sauce if you want a stronger garlic flavor.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added color and flavor.
- Ensure the koftas are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
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