If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly balances fragrant spices, juicy chicken, and a refreshing tangy sauce, look no further than this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. The tender, flavorful koftas are grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or want to impress friends with a vibrant, homemade meal, this recipe is a true winner that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean, tender base for the koftas, soaking up spices beautifully.
- Onion: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to keep the koftas juicy.
- Garlic: Infuses a rich, aromatic punch that shines both in the kofta and the yogurt sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the spices.
- Ground Cumin: Brings earthy warmth and a slightly smoky depth.
- Ground Coriander: Adds citrusy undertones and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and a bit of bite.
- Plain Yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic yogurt sauce, adding cool tanginess.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the yogurt sauce with zesty freshness.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for grilling, creating that irresistible browned crust on the koftas.
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Kofta Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. This step ensures all the aromatic ingredients come together, giving the meat a vibrant foundation of flavors before adding the spices.
Step 2: Season Your Mixture
Next, sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the spices are evenly distributed, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned and bursting with warmth.
Step 3: Shape the Koftas
Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into elongated oval koftas. This shape helps them cook evenly on the grill while looking beautifully rustic and inviting.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush it generously with olive oil. This oil will help create a lovely crust on the koftas and prevent sticking, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Step 5: Grill the Koftas
Place the koftas on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a golden brown exterior with a juicy center, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the koftas are grilling, mix the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This simple garlic yogurt sauce is the ultimate cooling counterpart to the smoky, spiced meats and makes the chicken kofta truly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your perfectly grilled koftas alongside the garlicky yogurt sauce, ready to be savored with every bite. This final step completes your Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe and guarantees a mouthwatering meal.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the dish’s look and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped parsley or mint leaves on top for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side works wonders to brighten each bite, bringing an added zestiness to the experience.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider fluffy basmati rice to soak up the sauce, warm pita bread for dipping, or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple tabbouleh salad also complement the rich flavors of the kofta wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the koftas on skewers with the yogurt sauce in small dipping bowls, making it perfect for casual gatherings or parties. Alternatively, build a vibrant kofta bowl with layers of grains, salad, and sauce for a modern, Instagram-worthy meal. This recipe’s versatility allows you to showcase creativity while savoring great taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The koftas will maintain their flavor and texture well, and the garlic yogurt sauce will stay fresh, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked kofta mixture shaped into ovals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before grilling to preserve the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat cooked koftas gently in a warm oven or on a stovetop grill pan to avoid drying them out. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be stored separately in the refrigerator and stirred well before serving again. Avoid microwaving the sauce to keep its creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken keeps the koftas light and healthy, ground beef or lamb provide a richer flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as fattier meats may cook faster or need additional seasoning.
How can I make the garlic yogurt sauce spicier?
To add a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or finely chopped fresh chili into the yogurt sauce. This will give it a nice warming back note that complements the grilled koftas beautifully.
Is it necessary to grill the koftas, or can I cook them another way?
You can definitely pan-fry the koftas in a skillet with a bit of olive oil if you don’t have access to a grill. Baking is another option, but grilling really gives that signature smoky flavor and appealing char that makes this recipe special.
What yogurt works best for the sauce?
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt is ideal for the sauce because it’s thick and creamy, offering the perfect texture to balance the spicy koftas. However, regular plain yogurt or even dairy-free yogurts can be used as alternatives.
Can I prepare the kofta mixture a day ahead?
Yes, preparing the mixture a day in advance allows the spices and herbs to meld even better, intensifying the flavor. Just cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to shape and grill them.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors into your home cooking without the fuss. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Delicious and flavorful Chicken Kofta grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines ground chicken with aromatic spices and fresh herbs for a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken 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
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined to distribute the spices evenly.
- Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into elongated oval-shaped koftas. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grilling surface generously with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help with browning.
- Grill the Kofta: Place the koftas on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Grill until the koftas are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through in the center (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This sauce should be tangy with a hint of garlic flavor, perfect to complement the kofta.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken kofta hot alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Pair with your favorite side dishes like rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped mint or cilantro to the kofta mixture.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a skillet on the stovetop with olive oil.
- Make sure not to overcook the kofta to keep them juicy and tender.
- Leftover koftas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
