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Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Made with ground chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, the kofta are grilled to perfection and served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or entertaining guests, this dish combines smoky, juicy meat with a cool, creamy sauce for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kofta

  • 500 grams ground chicken (about 1 pound)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to create the base of the kofta.
  2. Add Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape Kofta: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into elongated oval-shaped kofta, about 2-3 inches long each.
  4. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice char.
  5. Grill Kofta: Grill the kofta for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning carefully to get an even golden-brown crust and to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Prepare Sauce: While the kofta are grilling, mix plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the tangy garlic yogurt sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the hot grilled kofta alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Pair with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • To ensure the kofta remain moist and flavorful, do not overmix the chicken mixture.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar taste and texture.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
  • The garlic yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.