Must-Try Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Experience the perfect harmony of tender, spiced chicken kofta paired with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This dish is simple to prepare yet delivers gourmet flavors that will impress your guests.
- Author: Layla
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) ground chicken
- 1 small onion (finely grated or minced)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups (about 360g) full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2–3 cloves of garlic (minced or grated)
- juice of 1/2 a lemon (about 1–2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Lightly moisten your hands with water or olive oil. Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small, elongated logs, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet.
- For the Pan-Frying Method: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kofta in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- For the Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the kofta on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and nicely browned.
- While the kofta are cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped mint, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the kofta are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kofta with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Don't overmix the kofta to avoid toughness. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes to make shaping easier. For a richer sauce, let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.