Name: Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option); 1 medium Onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (can substitute with cilantro); 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin; 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander; Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for grilling); 1 cup Plain Yogurt (substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free option); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed recommended); Salt, a sprinkle to taste

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Introduction

Juicy chicken kofta is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for a satisfying meal. These spiced ground chicken skewers pair beautifully with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, offering a delightful balance of zest and richness.

The image shows five wooden skewers laid out horizontally on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each skewer holds two oval-shaped pieces of uncooked meat mixed with finely chopped green herbs and small white onion bits, giving the meat a speckled texture of light brown, green, and white. The baking tray has red silicone handles on each side and is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh parsley (or cilantro)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
1 cup plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Use clean hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the mixture into 10 to 12 oval-shaped koftas.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Place the koftas on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: While the koftas cook, in a separate bowl, mix plain yogurt with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create the garlic yogurt sauce.
Step 7: Serve the grilled koftas alongside the garlic yogurt sauce and your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

Try substituting fresh parsley with cilantro for a different herbal note.
Use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a dairy-free twist.
Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the kofta mix can add a subtle heat.
Serve with pita bread and a side salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain juiciness. Keep the yogurt sauce refrigerated separately and stir before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows four grilled meat skewers on a white plate, each skewer holding three to four oval-shaped pieces of browned, slightly charred meat mixed with green herbs. A white sauce with green herbs is drizzled over the skewers, garnished with fresh parsley leaves scattered on top. In the upper right corner of the plate, there is a small bowl filled with more of the white green herb sauce, decorated with parsley on the surface. A lemon wedge is placed behind the skewers near the bowl. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the kofta in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until fully cooked.

How do I know when the kofta is fully cooked?

They are done when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the outside is nicely browned. Cutting one open to check should show no pink inside.