If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while staying wonderfully simple, the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. These juicy, spiced chicken koftas are grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce that brightens every bite. Each element, from the fresh parsley to the zesty lemon juice, comes together harmoniously, making this recipe a favorite for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and aroma, ensuring your koftas are juicy, tender, and full of life.
- Ground Chicken: Use fresh, lean ground chicken for a tender texture and delicate taste.
- Onion: Finely chopped to add moisture and a mild sweetness that complements the spices.
- Garlic: Minced for a punch of earthy, savory depth in both the kofta and sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped to provide a bright, herbaceous contrast that lifts the dish.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warm, aromatic earthiness that defines the kofta’s character.
- Ground Coriander: Offers a subtle citrusy note that balances the cumin perfectly.
- Salt: Essential to enhance every flavor component in the mix.
- Black Pepper: Delivers a gentle heat and complexity.
- Plain Yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic yogurt sauce, cooling and tangy.
- Lemon Juice: Infuses the sauce with brightness and a hint of acidity.
- Olive Oil: Used to brush the grill and keep the koftas moist during cooking.
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering your ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. These fresh ingredients create the flavorful foundation of your koftas, ensuring every bite is packed with taste and moisture.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Next, sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. These spices blend beautifully, giving the kofta their signature warm and aromatic flavor. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated, so the spices infuse the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Shape the Koftas
Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into elongated oval koftas. This shape helps them cook evenly on the grill and makes them easy to handle when serving. Aim for uniform size for consistent cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve those perfect grill marks. A hot grill is essential to seal in the juices and create a golden crust.
Step 5: Grill the Koftas
Place the koftas on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. They should develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and be cooked through inside without drying out. Resist the urge to press down on them, which can squeeze out the delicious juices.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the koftas are grilling, mix plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl. This cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce adds the perfect creamy counterpoint to the warm, spiced koftas, rounding out each bite with refreshing flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the koftas are done grilling, plate them up and generously spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over or alongside. This combination of juicy chicken and bright sauce is simply irresistible and perfect for any meal occasion.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the koftas for added color and herbal freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your koftas with warm pita bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop of sauce. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a light tabbouleh complements the richness with fresh, vibrant textures. Roasted vegetables or grilled flatbreads are also terrific companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the koftas on skewers as a party appetizer or layering them in wraps with crunchy vegetables and extra sauce. They also work beautifully as a protein topping for a vibrant salad bowl or nestled alongside roasted potatoes for a comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover koftas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making the next day’s meal just as delightful. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate to maintain its fresh tang.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked koftas by laying them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling to ensure they cook evenly.
Reheating
Reheat cooked koftas gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry the meat out. Refresh the garlic yogurt sauce just before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar texture and mild flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as turkey can dry out faster than chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your spices and yogurt brand to ensure they haven’t been processed with gluten-containing additives.
Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling?
Yes, baking is a convenient alternative. Place the koftas on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not get the same char as grilling but will remain tasty and juicy.
What can I add to the yogurt sauce for extra flavor?
Feel free to stir in finely minced fresh herbs like mint or dill, a pinch of ground cumin, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast. These tweaks add wonderful layers of flavor to the classic garlic yogurt sauce.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The koftas can be made ahead, grilled, and stored separately from the sauce. Assemble your meal when ready for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner. Just keep the components refrigerated until use.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress with minimal effort. Its vibrant flavors, juicy texture, and the cool creaminess of the sauce create a harmonious culinary experience that feels special every time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it at home—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will quickly become one of your favorites.
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful and healthy recipe for Chicken Kofta grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. This dish combines aromatic spices with fresh herbs for a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to create the base of the kofta mixture.
- Add Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the meat mixture into elongated oval-shaped koftas, each about the size of a small sausage.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent the koftas from sticking.
- Grill the Kofta: Place the shaped koftas on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through internally.
- Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well blended to create the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken koftas and drizzle or serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Accompany with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid the koftas sticking and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Wetting your hands before shaping the koftas helps prevent the mixture from sticking.
- You can adjust the level of spices according to your taste preferences.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be enhanced with a bit of minced garlic if desired for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh, hummus, or pita bread.
