This Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes and relies on a quick grill method for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients for Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty kofta, think of it as your starter pack for a delicious dinner:
- 1 lb ground chicken: You can also use turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best, but jarred works too in a pinch!
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: We’re talking about the sweetness that adds depth.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs are the magic touch here.
- 1 tsp cumin: Because every good dish starts with cumin!
- 1 tsp coriander: Adds a warm, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: For that vibrant color and mild sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A couple pinches will do!
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water): Helps to keep those juicy kofta from sticking and burning.
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup yogurt: I prefer plain Greek yogurt for that thick texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce): Can’t have enough garlic, right?
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Just a dash of acidity does wonders.
- Salt to taste: A pinch more never hurts!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Making this Chicken Kofta is super simple, and I promise you it’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Mix It Up! In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined, your fingers will get messy, and trust me, it’s totally worth it! (About 5 minutes).
Shape the Kofta. Now comes the fun part! With your clean hands, form oval-shaped kofta. I like to make them around the size of a golf ball. If you want even shapes, you can use a cookie scoop!
Skewering Time. Take those kofta and thread them onto those soaked wooden skewers. Make sure they’re snug but not too packed, we want them juicy!
Cook Away. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place your kofta on the grill and let them sizzle. You’ll want to cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re fully cooked through and have those beautiful grill marks.
Whip Up the Sauce. While the kofta is cooking, let’s make that creamy garlic yogurt sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup yogurt, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir and taste, adjust the seasoning if needed. This sauce is where the magic happens!
Serve It Right. When your kofta is done, serve them warm with a generous dollop of the creamy garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top. Trust me; you’ll want to soak it all in that sauce!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Lebanese Kafta, my One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice, or my Chicken Marsala!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, it’s ideal for those evenings when you’re racing against the clock.
Customizable
The flexibility of this recipe is one of the best parts. You can adjust the spices based on what you have or even swap the chicken for beef or lamb if you’re feeling adventurous. Add some grated zucchini for extra veggies or even diced bell peppers if you’re looking to sneak in more nutrients.
Comfort Food
These kofta are loaded with tons of flavor that will have your family smiling and returning for more. The grilled exterior gives a smoky depth, while the juicy interior makes each bite delightful.
Perfect for Meal Prep
You can make the kofta ahead of time, freeze them, and just reheat when you’re ready to serve. You could also prep the yogurt sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week, so you could easily have it ready for several meals!
How to Serve This Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Now that you’ve got these incredible chicken kofta with creamy garlic yogurt sauce ready to go, you might be wondering how to serve them. Here’s what I love to pair with them:
- Fluffy Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can even use rice pilaf for that extra flavor.
- Pita Bread: Warm up some pita or naan on the side! It’s perfect for scooping up that yogurt sauce.
- Fresh Veggies: Add a side of fresh veggies, a simple cucumber and tomato salad pairs beautifully.
- Pickles and Olives: A platter of pickles or olives can add brightness and balance, that saltiness is just divine!
Storage Tips
These kofta are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheating is easy; just pop them back on the grill or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked kofta after forming them. Just make sure to lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer first; once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
And there you have it! My ultimate Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe. Whether you’re looking for a fast family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe covers it all. Have fun making it, and trust me, your family won’t stop raving about it!
Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, and this dish embodies just that. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be coming back for seconds, or third, or fourth, I won’t judge! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful and versatile Chicken Kofta recipe served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix together ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped kofta, about the size of a golf ball.
- Thread the kofta onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Preheat the grill or skillet over medium heat and cook the kofta for about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl to make the sauce.
- Serve the warm kofta with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
This recipe is customizable based on your available ingredients. Try adding grated zucchini or adjusting the spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg