There’s nothing quite like the enticing aroma of grilled meat filling the kitchen, and this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe brings that experience home in under 30 minutes. I first fell in love with kofta at a vibrant street market, where the spiced scent lingered in the air, drawing me in for a taste. With just a few simple ingredients—ground chicken that’s both juicy and satisfying—you can replicate that savory magic in your own kitchen.
As I started experimenting with this dish, I realized how versatile and forgiving it is; perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. The creamy garlic yogurt sauce whispers freshness as it dances on your palate, wonderfully balancing the flavors of warm spices. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing option for everyone around the table. So let’s dive in and create a delightful meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds!
Why is this chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe a must-try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of warm spices in the kofta paired with a creamy garlic sauce creates a taste experience you won’t forget.
Versatile Delight: Serve it with pita, rice, or fresh salad—it’s adaptable for any palate!
Dine with Confidence: Even novice cooks can excel; the straightforward method ensures delicious results every time.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy a meal that’s inclusive, catering to guests with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
This chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe can easily become your go-to dish!
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce Ingredients
• Prepare for a flavor adventure with these essential ingredients!
For the Kofta
- Ground Chicken – This is the star of the dish and keeps it juicy; substitute with lean ground turkey if desired.
- Onion – Adds moisture and flavor to each bite; shallots work well too for a milder taste.
- Garlic – The aromatic hero! Adjust the amount based on your love for garlic.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of freshness and color; cilantro can be a delightful alternative.
- Ground Cumin – Infuses warm, earthy notes; leave it out for a milder kofta or try ground coriander instead.
- Ground Coriander – Provides depth of flavor that perfectly complements cumin; curry powder can work in a pinch.
- Salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors; season to your taste!
- Black Pepper – Adds a gentle kick; feel free to swap for white pepper for a subtler flavor.
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Plain Yogurt – The creamy base of the sauce, balancing the spiced koftas; Greek yogurt offers a thicker texture.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity; lime juice is a tasty alternative.
- Olive Oil – Helps the koftas grill without sticking; any neutral oil will do!
With this chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe, you’re all set to impress your family at the dinner table!
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated. You want everything evenly blended for consistent flavor throughout.
Shape the Koftas: With wet hands, shape the mixture into compact oval-shaped kofta. This helps them hold their shape while grilling, ensuring a perfect texture when cooked.
Preheat the Grill: Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the koftas from sticking, ensuring they turn out perfectly grilled.
Grill Koftas: Place the shaped koftas on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Prepare the Sauce: While the koftas are grilling, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth. This sauce will bring a creamy, tangy element to your meal!
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the grilled koftas on a platter and serve them alongside the garlic yogurt sauce so everyone can indulge in the delightful flavors.
Optional: Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Fridge: Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through.
Freezer: Uncooked koftas can be shaped and frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Grill straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Keep the sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness.
Meal Prep: The kofta mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making it easy to grill fresh koftas whenever you crave this chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during your busy weeknights! You can prepare the kofta mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl and refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, shape into koftas and grill as directed. The garlic yogurt sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance; just mix the yogurt, lemon juice, and salt, then refrigerate. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort when it’s time to eat!
Chicken Kofta Variations
Get ready to customize your chicken kofta experience with these exciting twists!
- Herb Boost: Swap parsley for fresh mint or dill for a refreshing flavor twist that brightens each bite.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick, perfect for heat lovers.
- Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini into the kofta mixture for added nutrition and moisture.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy surprise in every kofta that elevates the flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: Brighten the yogurt sauce with lemon zest for an extra citrusy punch that enhances the overall freshness.
- Grain-Free Option: For a gluten-free variation, serve kofta with quinoa or cauliflower rice, adding unique textures to your meal.
- Mediterranean Flair: Serve with olives and roasted red peppers to create a Mediterranean platter that’s vibrant and inviting.
- Culinary Adventure: Instead of grilling, try baking the koftas for a healthier alternative that still delivers great taste.
With these variations, let your creativity shine as you explore different flavors and textures with each delightful kofta!
Expert Tips for Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Marination Magic: Let the kofta mixture sit for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
- Shape Matters: Ensure the koftas are compactly formed; this prevents them from falling apart while grilling and results in juicier koftas.
- Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium heat on the grill; too high can scorch the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Watch for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe dining.
- Yogurt Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the garlic yogurt sauce; add fresh herbs or spices to elevate its flavor while sticking to the chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe’s essence.
What to Serve with Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
Elevate your meal by pairing the juicy koftas with delightful sides that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Warm Pita Bread: A classic pairing, warm pita is perfect for scooping up koftas and yogurt sauce, offering a comforting texture.
Crisp Tabbouleh Salad: This fresh and zesty salad filled with parsley, tomatoes, and mint brightens up the plate and adds a healthy crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with olive oil and herbs, roasted veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini bring a sweet earthiness that balances the spices in the koftas.
Couscous or Quinoa: Fluffy couscous or nutty quinoa serves as a wonderful base, soaking up the creamy garlic sauce and providing a hearty element to the meal.
Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and a healthy fat component, making each bite of kofta even more satisfying.
Chilled Mint Yogurt Drink: Refreshing against the warm koftas, this beverage is cooling with a hint of mint and pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing the Middle Eastern experience.
These accompaniments will turn your chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe into a delightful feast, leaving everyone at your dining table utterly satisfied!
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ground chicken, look for packages labeled “fresh” or “never frozen” for the best flavor. If you opt for onions, they should feel firm and have dry, papery skins, while garlic should be plump without any dark spots or sprouting. A good rule of thumb: if your parsley or cilantro looks vibrant and fresh, you’re on the right track!
How should I store the cooked koftas?
Cooked koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat them on a skillet over medium heat to retain their juicy texture. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out!
Can I freeze chicken koftas?
Very! To freeze uncooked koftas, shape them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months! When it’s time to cook, simply grill them directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What should I do if my koftas fall apart on the grill?
If your koftas are falling apart, it may be due to not enough binding in your mixture. Ensure you form the mixture firmly and consider adding a little bit of bread crumbs or an egg to help with cohesion. Also, keep an eye on your grill temperature; too high can cause them to fall apart before cooking through.
Is this recipe suitable for those with food allergies?
Absolutely! This chicken kofta garlic yogurt sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, the yogurt sauce does contain dairy. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut yogurt instead. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and adjust accordingly to suit your dietary needs.
How long does the garlic yogurt sauce last in the fridge?
The garlic yogurt sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and if it seems a bit thick, a splash of lemon juice can restore its creamy texture while adding a refreshing zing!
Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- - Grill
- - Mixing bowl
- - Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 1 pound Ground Chicken or lean ground turkey
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt Greek yogurt is thicker
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or any neutral oil
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into compact oval-shaped kofta.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil.
- Place the shaped koftas on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
- While the koftas are grilling, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Arrange the grilled koftas on a platter and serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce.