Description
Juicy, aromatic chicken kofta spiced just right and served with a tangy, creamy garlic yogurt sauce. This easy Middle Eastern-inspired dinner is quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 lbs (500g) ground chicken (mix of thigh and breast preferred)
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil, for cooking (about 2 tbsp)
- For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
- Add cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, allspice, salt, black pepper, bread crumbs, and egg.
- Mix gently with hands or a sturdy spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- With damp hands, form mixture into 12-14 oval or round meatballs (about golf ball size). Place on a plate or tray. If mixture is too wet, chill for 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dill or mint if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until serving.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add kofta in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Transfer cooked kofta to a plate lined with paper towel.
- Arrange kofta on a platter and drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce or serve sauce on the side. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF bread crumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt. Chill kofta mixture if too sticky. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying. Add chili flakes for heat or swap herbs as desired. Kofta can be made ahead and frozen. Serve with pita, rice, or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 kofta with sauce per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken kofta, kofta recipe, garlic yogurt sauce, Middle Eastern, easy dinner, healthy, high protein, gluten-free option, meal prep, skillet