Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Oh, how I adore the cozy evenings when the kitchen is filled with the warm, spicy aroma of Chicken Kofta simmering on the stove! This dish always brings back memories of family gatherings and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. There’s something incredibly special about the tender meatballs, perfectly spiced, paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! If you’ve never had the chance to dive into this delightful pair, let me tell you, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner—ready in under 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly, hearty ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Loaded with comforting, savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Customizable to your spice preference—make it as mild or as spicy as you like!
• Perfect for meal prep and great as leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Chicken Kofta:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (more or less depending on the texture)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps for a fantastic Chicken Kofta experience.

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and parsley. Mince the garlic cloves. This aromatic medley will give your kofta fantastic flavor!
2. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Pro Tip: Use your hands to mix everything together gently—don’t overmix, or the kofta will be tough.
3. Shape the Kofta: With damp hands, form the mixture into small oval or cylindrical shapes, about the size of a golf ball. You can also mold them onto skewers if you prefer. Watch out: If they’re too loose, they might fall apart when cooking, so make sure they are nice and firm!
4. Cook the Kofta: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the kofta in batches and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the kofta cooks, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. It should be creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken kofta warm with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce on top or on the side. You’ll want to slather that sauce on everything!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists to make this dish your own:

• Spice Things Up: Feel free to add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs, like cilantro or mint, for a unique flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in some grated zucchini or carrots for additional moisture and nutrients in your kofta.
• Diet-friendly Options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether and bind with more egg.
• Grill It: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the kofta over medium heat instead of pan-frying.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Serve it on a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa, or tuck them into warm pita bread with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. A crisp side salad is also a refreshing complement, and let’s not forget about a glass of chilled lemonade or a mild aubergine dip like baba ganoush to elevate the meal. It’s all about creating that cozy atmosphere, so don’t forget your favorite table setting!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze them, make sure they’re completely cooled first. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will yield a delicious kofta. The flavors will be slightly different, but still tasty!

How can I make the kofta ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the kofta a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them. It’s a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

What type of bread goes best with this dish?

Pita bread is a classic choice! It’s perfect for scooping up the kofta and yogurt sauce. You could also use naan or even flatbreads if you prefer something a bit different.

Can I bake the kofta instead of frying them?

Yes, you can! Baking is a healthier option. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kofta on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What should I serve with the garlic yogurt sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! It works beautifully as a dip for vegetables, chips, or even spread on sandwiches. You’ll find yourself wanting to put it on everything!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe at home! It’s a dish that brings people together and embraces all the flavors of comfort food. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below. I’d love to hear your stories and any twists you add to make this dish your own. Happy cooking, friends!

Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in Chicken Kofta paired with bold garlic yogurt sauce. This recipe delivers flavors that are truly irresistible and easy to make! 154 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground chicken

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and parsley. Mince the garlic cloves.

Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to mix everything together gently.

Shape the Kofta: With damp hands, form the mixture into small oval or cylindrical shapes, about the size of a golf ball.

Cook the Kofta: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the kofta in batches for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken kofta warm with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce.

Notes

Delicious Chicken Kofta served with a refreshing Garlic Yogurt Sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food