Incredible Chicken Kofta Recipe with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – 5 Steps

Ah, Chicken Kofta! Just saying the name brings back a swirl of warm memories from family gatherings where the tantalizing aromas of spices would dance through the air. Picture a cozy evening, where laughter echoes in the kitchen, and everyone gathers around a table filled with delicious, comforting food. That’s exactly what Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce represents to me—a dish that promises delightful flavors and warm hugs for the soul.

This dish has a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share my easy-to-follow recipe with you! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet satisfying. The sun has started to set a little earlier, and there’s a slight chill in the air—perfect kofta weather, if you ask me! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly—chicken is usually a wallet-friendly protein.
• Comforting flavors that make you feel right at home.
• The garlic yogurt sauce is a creamy dream that pairs perfectly with the kofta.
• Customizable with spices and toppings to suit your taste!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• For the Chicken Kofta:
  • 1 pound ground chicken (fresh is best!)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is a must for that bold flavor!)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh mint or dill for garnish (optional but oh-so-good!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

1. Prep the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix gently until just combined. TIP: Don’t overmix, or your kofta will turn out dense—keep it light and fluffy!
2. Shape the Kofta: With wet hands (this helps prevent sticking), shape the mixture into oval or cylindrical patties—about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12 koftas. Remember, each one is going to be packed with flavor!
3. Cook the Kofta: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, carefully add the koftas. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The smell of spices will have your taste buds singing!
4. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the koftas are cooking, let’s whip up the sauce! In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible!
5. Serve It Up: Once everything is cooked, it’s time to feast! Serve the kofta hot, drizzled generously with the garlic yogurt sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs if you like. I love pairing it with warm pita bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. The textures and flavors are just magical!

Pro Tips & Variations

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

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick if you like heat.
• Swap the chicken for ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Add finely grated zucchini or carrot into the kofta mixture for a veggie boost. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
• Toss in some spices like turmeric or cinnamon for a warm flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative! Cooking should be fun, so play with different toppings too. Crumbled feta or pickled onions can add an exciting twist.

Serving Suggestions

To create a beautiful cozy meal, serve your Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce alongside warm pita, fluffy basmati rice, or a fresh salad. I love to drizzle a bit more of that creamy sauce over everything! You could also pair it with some roasted vegetables, which add a lovely sweetness, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for crunch and freshness.

And no meal is complete without a nice drink! Try pairing it with a refreshing mint lemonade or a chilled glass of white wine. Cozy, right?

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe because they’re so tasty!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store the koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’d recommend keeping the Garlic Yogurt Sauce separate to maintain its creamy texture.
• Freeze: If you want to prep in advance, shape the koftas and freeze them uncooked. When you’re ready, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Reheat: Warm the koftas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. The key is to keep that juicy texture!

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground beef will work just fine, but I recommend seasoning it carefully to balance the rich flavor. You might even want to add a bit more garlic or spices!

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt. Sour cream is also an excellent alternative—it adds a nice tangy flavor!

How do I know when the koftas are cooked through?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re cooking them in a skillet, they should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.

Can I make the koftas in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just shape and cook when you’re ready—easy peasy!

What other sauces go well with kofta?

While the garlic yogurt sauce is a classic, you could also try a spicy tahini sauce or a zesty tzatziki. The options are endless!

Conclusion

I hope you try making this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce soon! It’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but also brings people together. I’d love to hear how your koftas turn out or if you put your own spin on them. Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about your kitchen adventures! Happy cooking, friend!

Incredible Chicken Kofta Recipe with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – 5 Steps

---

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Master Chicken Kofta & Garlic Yogurt Sauce in just 5 easy steps. Discover this delicious recipe that elevates your culinary skills today! (148 chars)

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of ground chicken

1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon of coriander

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

1 cup of plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Salt to taste

Fresh mint or dill for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

With wet hands, shape the mixture into oval or cylindrical patties, about the size of a golf ball.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and carefully add the koftas. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve the kofta hot, drizzled with the garlic yogurt sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy with warm pita bread or rice.

Notes

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring spiced chicken kofta served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g

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