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Close-up of three skewers of juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, garnished with fresh herbs in a white bowl.
Linda

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Juicy, flavorful chicken kofta served with a cool and tangy garlic yogurt sauce is a quick weeknight meal that tastes like a Mediterranean vacation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Kofta
  • 1.5 lbs ground chicken lean or regular
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat or 2%
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Grater
  • Large Non-Stick Skillet
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Get Your Kofta Mix Ready
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the finely grated yellow onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, 0.75 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofta tough.
  2. Divide the chicken mixture into about 12-16 equal portions. Roll and shape each portion into small, oblong patties or logs, roughly 2-3 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Place the shaped kofta on a plate or small baking sheet as you go.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken kofta to the pan in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
  4. Sear the kofta for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer the cooked kofta to a clean plate and set aside while you cook any remaining batches.
  5. While the kofta is cooking, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, the remaining 1 finely minced garlic clove, freshly squeezed lemon juice, 0.25 teaspoon of salt, and the chopped fresh dill or mint (if using). Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Arrange the warm, juicy chicken kofta on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. These are fantastic with warm pita bread, a simple chopped cucumber and tomato salad, or fluffy rice. Enjoy!

Notes

Make-Ahead Kofta: You can prepare the kofta mixture and form the patties a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the kofta mixture along with the other spices. Serving Suggestions: Beyond pita, these kofta are delicious served with fluffy couscous, a refreshing quinoa salad, or even wrapped in large lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb meal.