Description
This Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe features flavorful ground chicken patties seasoned with aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing and tangy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or main course, this dish brings together Middle Eastern inspired flavors in a simple, quick, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Kofta
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Kofta: With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into oval patties or logs around 2-3 inches in length.
- Cook the Kofta: Heat the olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the kofta in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired for flavor balance.
- Serve: Serve the warm chicken kofta drizzled with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh dill or mint if desired for a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- To prevent kofta from sticking to your hands while shaping, keep your hands slightly wet.
- If you want a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper.
- You can cook kofta on a barbecue grill for a smoky flavor instead of a grill pan.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness.
- The creamy garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld.
- Serve kofta with warm pita bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4 koftas with sauce)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken kofta, grilled chicken patties, creamy garlic yogurt sauce, Middle Eastern recipe, healthy chicken recipe