As a busy mom, I understand the struggle of wanting to prepare meals that are both nutritious and appealing to the entire family. That’s why I’m excited to share this delectable recipe for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. With its rich flavors, convenient cooking time, and impressive presentation, this dish ticks all the right boxes for a delightful home-cooked meal. In just under 40 minutes, you can have juicy, grilled chicken kofta that pairs exquisitely with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or even when hosting guests.

The beauty of Chicken Kofta lies in its versatility. Not only is it packed with protein and free from gluten, but it also brings together a combination of spices and the creaminess of yogurt that make it truly irresistible. The mild spices are just enough to tantalize the taste buds without overwhelming them, making it a fantastic meal for both adults and children alike. Plus, it’s comfortable and hearty without being heavy, making it ideal for those casual family dinners.

Whether you enjoy it with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a refreshing salad, this recipe is designed to please everyone at the table. Plus, it encourages creativity—feel free to customize the kofta with additional spices or serve it with your favorite side dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Quick & Easy: You can have this flavorful dish ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: The mild spices and creamy garlic yogurt sauce make it a favorite for everyone, including kids.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein and naturally gluten-free ingredients, it’s a wholesome choice.
Versatile: Enjoy Chicken Kofta with pita, rice, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal that can be adjusted to fit any occasion.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making your Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, it’s essential to set up your kitchen efficiently. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This saves time and helps ensure a smooth cooking process. You will need a large mixing bowl, a grill or grill pan, and some plates for shaping the kofta and serving. Having a small food processor can also make chopping the onion and parsley more manageable, though you can definitely do it by hand!

When prepping your grill, ensure it’s preheated and lightly brushed with olive oil to prevent sticking. Use a spatula or tongs for safe handling of the kofta while grilling. Lastly, it’s beneficial to have a meat thermometer on hand to ensure your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F, providing the ideal texture and flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (500 g) ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Pinch of salt
Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mixture for heat, or swap in ground lamb for a richer flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Kofta Mixture

To begin, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to knead the mixture until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This ensures that every bite of your kofta will be filled with a burst of flavor from the spices and herbs.

Step 2: Shape the Kofta

Next, it’s time to form the kofta! Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking, then take a handful of the mixture and shape it into oval patties or pressed logs. You can also use skewers for the kofta; simply form the mixture around them. Place the formed kofta on a plate, making sure they are not touching each other. This minimizes the risk of them breaking apart during grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Kofta

Now, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush it lightly with olive oil to help the kofta get that beautiful golden-brown sear. Place the shaped kofta onto the grill, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking. Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F. It’s important to monitor your kofta to ensure they don’t overcook, which can lead to dryness.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the kofta is grilling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until reaching a smooth consistency. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences; more garlic can add a punch if you enjoy the flavor.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once your kofta are beautifully grilled, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce generously over the top, and for an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or slices of lemon. This adds both visual appeal and freshness to the dish. Serve alongside warm pita, fluffy rice, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad for a well-rounded meal!

Variations

Protein: If you want to switch things up, feel free to use ground lamb instead of chicken for a richer taste.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables into your kofta mixture, such as grated zucchini or bell peppers, to add extra nutrition.
Spices: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Cooking Notes

For best results, allow the kofta mixture to rest for about 15 minutes before shaping to let the flavors meld.
If you’re preparing ahead of time, you can refrigerate the formed kofta for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the kofta with a side of fluffy couscous or lemon-infused rice for a filling meal.
Serve with a fresh salad topped with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light touch.

Tips

When shaping the kofta, avoid packing the mixture too tightly, as this can lead to dense kofta instead of light and airy ones.
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 30g per serving
Sodium: 500mg per serving

FAQs

Can I make the kofta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the kofta in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before grilling. Just make sure to keep them covered.

What can I serve with Chicken Kofta?

Serve with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad. It also pairs wonderfully with various dips like hummus.

Can I freeze the kofta?

Yes, you can freeze the raw kofta. Lay them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Thaw and cook from frozen.

What if I don’t have ground chicken?

You can substitute with ground turkey, beef, or lamb, depending on your preference and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is truly a winning recipe that brings deliciousness and convenience to your dining table. Its adaptability and flavor make it a go-to option, whether it’s a weeknight dinner with family or entertaining friends. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular dish in your home! I encourage you to try this recipe out, share your experience, and perhaps even mix in some of your own creative twists. Cooking should be fun, and this dish is an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity!