Name: Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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 grilling); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced ground chicken formed into tender, juicy meatballs. Grilled to perfection and served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, it’s a delicious and easy meal for any occasion.

The image shows four skewers of grilled meatballs that are golden brown with some charred spots, placed closely together. The skewers are on a white plate, and the meatballs are topped with a drizzle of white creamy sauce that has green herbs mixed in. On the side of the plate, there is a small mound of the same white creamy sauce garnished with a green parsley leaf. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 3: Preheat your grill and brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and are cooked through.
Step 5: While the koftas are grilling, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
Step 6: Serve the grilled koftas hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
Swap the parsley for fresh mint for a different herbal note.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the koftas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
Serve with warm pita bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The garlic yogurt sauce is best stored separately and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

The image shows three wooden skewers with grilled meatballs, each meatball browned with a slightly crispy outside, stacked closely on each skewer. White sauce with green herbs is drizzled thickly over the top of the meatballs, creating a creamy texture that contrasts with the grilled surface. Sprinkles of fresh chopped dill are spread across the sauce and meatballs, adding a touch of bright green color. A slice of lemon is visible in the background on the right side, adding a hint of yellow to the otherwise earthy and white tones. The dish is served in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for chicken and will yield similar results in both flavor and texture.

How do I know when the koftas are fully cooked?

The koftas should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside when sliced.