Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern main course featuring spiced ground chicken formed into oval-shaped koftas and grilled to perfection. Served with a creamy garlic-infused yogurt sauce, this dish offers a delicious balance of savory spices and refreshing tanginess that is gluten free and perfect for a wholesome, protein-rich meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing grill and optional mixing)
For the 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 the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Koftas: With clean hands, shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, approximately the size of a golf ball but elongated. This shape helps even grilling.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Grill the Koftas: Place the koftas on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the koftas are grilling, mix together the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined for a refreshing, creamy sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the hot grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with pita bread or a bed of rice if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the kofta mixture marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming and grilling.
- Serve with warm pita bread, fresh salad, or over a bed of rice to make a complete meal.
- You can also cook the koftas on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
