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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Juicy ground chicken shaped into spiced kofta and grilled to perfection, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is ready in 30 minutes and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken preferably chicken thigh for extra moisture
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, for kofta
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for grilling
  • 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat Greek yogurt recommended
  • 1 clove garlic minced, for sauce
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 pinch salt for yogurt sauce

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Add the cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a fork, mix gently until just combined, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should look evenly distributed but not overly compacted.
  2. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then take about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into an elongated oval about 3-4 inches long. Place each formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet. You should get about 10-12 kofta. If mixture feels too loose, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the grill get hot for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the kofta on the grill, leaving space between each one. Grill for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, until you see golden-brown grill marks and the bottom is set. Flip carefully using tongs and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the kofta are cooked through.
  5. While the kofta cook, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the yogurt, 1 clove minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Remove the kofta from the grill and let them rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite moist. Serve warm with the garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

Let the kofta rest after grilling for better flavor and moisture retention. You can also bake these at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Store cooked kofta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze uncooked kofta for up to 3 months. Store yogurt sauce separately.