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Chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce has become my answer to easy weeknight dinners when I want bold flavors but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. The tender, juicy chicken paired with a creamy tangy sauce is my kind of comfort food and it always vanishes quickly at our table.
One chilly evening my family arrived home hungry from a long day and I whipped up this chicken kofta in less than thirty minutes. Now everyone requests it when they smell onions and garlic sizzling in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: for juicy tender kofta look for freshly ground with no added fillers
- Onion: brings sweetness and moisture pick a firm tightly layered onion
- Garlic: adds warmth and depth finely mince for even distribution
- Fresh parsley: brightens the dish use flat leaf for best flavor and color
- Ground cumin: earthy and aromatic buy whole seeds and grind fresh if you can
- Ground coriander: nutty and lemony choose ground from a sealed jar for freshness
- Salt: enhances flavors use kosher or sea salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper: gives gentle heat freshly cracked makes a difference
- Plain yogurt: tangy and cooling go for a thick unsweetened variety
- Lemon juice: brightens and lifts the yogurt sauce squeeze your own for best taste
- Olive oil: for grilling prevents sticking and adds flavor use a robust extra virgin oil
Instructions
- Mix Kofta Mixture:
- Combine ground chicken chopped onion minced garlic and fresh parsley in a large bowl using clean hands or a fork for even mixing
- Season and Bind:
- Add ground cumin ground coriander salt and black pepper then gently mix until the spices and herbs are evenly blended throughout do not overmix as this can make the kofta tough
- Shape the Kofta:
- Wet your hands with water then take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into elongated oval patties about three inches long and one inch thick repeat until all the mixture is used
- Grill the Kofta:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium high heat then use a brush or paper towel to coat the grates with olive oil place the kofta on the hot grill and cook for five to seven minutes per side turning gently until golden brown and the meat is cooked through
- Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- While the kofta grills combine plain yogurt lemon juice a pinch of salt and the reserved minced garlic in a small bowl whisk until smooth and creamy taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed
- Rest and Serve:
- Once grilled transfer the kofta to a plate and let them rest at least three minutes to keep the juices locked in serve with dollops of garlic yogurt sauce and enjoy right away
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Whenever I chop parsley for this dish the scent always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. It is such a simple herb but it brings so much freshness and color to the plate. Serving this to my family on a busy evening always feels a little special.
Storage Tips
Store leftover kofta and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The kofta stays moist and tender for up to three days reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven. The sauce will keep for about as long but stir before serving if it separates.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find ground chicken ground turkey works well and delivers a similar texture. You can swap parsley for cilantro if you prefer a slightly different herbal note. For a dairy free yogurt sauce try using a plant based plain yogurt with an extra squeeze of lemon juice for tang.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the kofta on a platter over saffron rice or a warm pita. Add quick pickles olives or a crisp cucumber salad for contrast. Sometimes I like to add pickled onions or a few sliced radishes to brighten the whole plate.
Cultural Context
Kofta is a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine traditionally made with lamb or beef and often cooked over open flames. This chicken version is lighter but still honors those flavors I grew up loving. It is just the kind of street food style meal you might share with loved ones in a bustling market or at home around a big table.
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Chicken kofta is delicious when freshly made and just as wonderful the next day. Enjoy these bold flavors and make it your own by adjusting herbs and seasonings to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake the chicken kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the kofta in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- → What side dishes pair well with chicken kofta?
Serve with rice, flatbread, tabbouleh, or fresh salad to complement the savory flavors.
- → How do I prevent kofta from falling apart?
Ensure ingredients are well combined and shape tightly. Chilling before grilling also helps them hold together.
- → Can I use turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be substituted for a similar result with some flavor variation.
- → How long should I rest the kofta after grilling?
Let the kofta rest for about 3-5 minutes to lock in juices and enhance flavor before serving.