Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and family-friendly meal that combines juicy grilled chicken kofta with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. This easy Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is packed with warm spices, fresh herbs, and delicious garlic flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Juicy, flavorful chicken kofta with warm spices
- Creamy garlic yogurt sauce adds freshness and balance
- Perfect for grilling season or indoor cooking
- Naturally halal-friendly and family-approved
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 the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the spices and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and lightly brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce koftas for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and lightly charred.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Serve the grilled chicken kofta warm with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the kofta mixture for 20 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
- If grilling outdoors is not possible, cook the kofta in a grill pan or oven.
- Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep the kofta tender.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, high-protein
Notes
- Serve with pita bread, rice, couscous, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can also be used as a dip for vegetables.
- You can substitute parsley with fresh cilantro for a slightly different flavor.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I make chicken kofta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and shape the kofta mixture up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 18–20 minutes until fully cooked.
What can I serve with Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
This dish pairs well with rice, flatbread, roasted vegetables, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad.
How do I keep chicken kofta from falling apart?
Finely chop the onion and avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Chilling the mixture also helps.
Can I freeze chicken kofta?
Yes. Freeze uncooked or cooked kofta in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked kofta for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
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 the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the spices and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and lightly brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce koftas for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and lightly charred.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Serve the grilled chicken kofta warm with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Serve with pita bread, rice, couscous, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can also be used as a dip for vegetables.
- You can substitute parsley with fresh cilantro for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is an easy and delicious recipe that brings bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors to your dinner table. The juicy grilled kofta paired with cool, creamy yogurt sauce creates the perfect balance of savory and fresh. Whether you serve it for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.