Introduction
Ever wonder if the most flavorful, tender chicken meatballs you have ever tasted could be part of your weekly dinner rotation without spending hours in the kitchen? Many of us believe that creating dishes rich in authentic, global flavor requires complex techniques and a long list of exotic ingredients. But what if I told you that you could achieve restaurant quality taste with a simple, straightforward recipe that your whole family will adore? This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is here to prove just that. It is a game changer. This dish transforms simple ground chicken into juicy, aromatic koftas, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, and then paired with a refreshingly cool and tangy garlic yogurt sauce. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in. A few years ago, on a busy Tuesday, I was determined to break out of our dinner rut. I wanted something that felt special but did not demand my entire evening. Recalling flavors from a Mediterranean trip, I started experimenting. The result was this very recipe, a now cherished favorite in my home. It’s a testament to the idea that amazing food can be both accessible and incredibly satisfying, turning an ordinary weeknight into a small celebration of flavor and togetherness.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This recipe has quickly become a go to in my household, and I’m confident it will in yours too. It strikes the perfect balance between being incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare. It is a dish that works for a quick family dinner but is also impressive enough to serve when you have guests over. The combination of warm, savory chicken koftas and the cool, zesty garlic yogurt sauce is an absolute winner, creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every single bite. It feels indulgent and special, yet it is made with wholesome, accessible ingredients you can feel good about serving. Here is why I think you will fall in love with it:
- Packed with Flavor: The koftas are seasoned with a beautiful blend of fresh parsley, onion, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. This creates a depth of flavor that is both aromatic and savory. The garlic yogurt sauce then comes in with its bright, tangy kick to cut through the richness.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes. The kofta mixture comes together in minutes, and they cook up quickly whether you pan fry, bake, or grill them. It’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you are craving something homemade and delicious without the fuss. It is even easier than our popular Greek chicken bowls.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish. The koftas are essentially wonderfully seasoned chicken meatballs, which are always a hit with younger eaters. You can adjust the spice levels to your family’s preference, and the interactive nature of serving them with sauce and sides makes it a fun meal for everyone.
- Incredibly Versatile: You can serve these chicken koftas in so many different ways. Wrap them in warm pita bread with a dollop of sauce, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous, or pair them with a fresh, crisp salad for a lighter option. They are also fantastic for meal prep!
- Healthy and Wholesome: Made with lean ground chicken and a Greek yogurt based sauce, this dish is a fantastic source of protein. It is a light yet satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and nourished. It is a welcome change from heavier, cream based dishes but delivers all the comfort you crave.
Ingredients for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
For the Chicken Kofta:
- 1 lb ground chicken (93/7 lean is ideal)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat for richest flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Substitutions: You can easily substitute ground turkey or even ground lamb for the chicken. For a dairy free version of the sauce, use a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond based yogurt.
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Step by Step Instructions
Making this delicious meal is much easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a perfect dish ready to go in no time. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready, a little ‘mise en place’ as the chefs say, which makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped mint or dill if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the koftas. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Combine the Kofta Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, beaten egg, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the koftas tough. You want to mix just enough so that everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Koftas: Lightly wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture and roll it in your palms to form an oval, log like shape, about 3 inches long. You can also form them into traditional round meatballs if you prefer. Place the shaped koftas on a clean plate or baking sheet. Continue this process until you have used all of the mixture. You should end up with about 12 to 15 koftas.
- Cook the Koftas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the koftas in the pan, ensuring you don’t overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary. Cook the koftas for about 8 to10 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the koftas from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Serve the warm Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce drizzled generously over the top. Garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips & Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many ways to customize it and make it your own. Here are a few professional tips to ensure your koftas are perfect every time, along with some fun variations to try next time you make this dish. Another version of this recipe with different spices can be found in this Chicken Kofta post.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: The number one rule for tender koftas (or any meatball) is to mix the ingredients until just combined. Overworking the ground chicken develops the proteins and can result in dense, tough, and rubbery koftas. Be gentle!
- Wet Your Hands: Keep a small bowl of water nearby when shaping the koftas. Dampening your hands prevents the chicken mixture from sticking to your palms, making the shaping process much cleaner and easier. This little trick is a game changer.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For perfectly uniform koftas, use a small cookie or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. This ensures they are all the same size and will therefore cook evenly.
- Let the Sauce Rest: The garlic yogurt sauce tastes even better if you make it at least 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time. This gives the garlic and lemon juice time to meld with the yogurt, deepening the flavor.
Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or one finely minced jalapeño (with seeds removed for less heat) to the chicken mixture.
- Go Gluten Free: To make this recipe gluten free, simply swap the breadcrumbs for 1/4 cup of almond flour or even crushed pork rinds. The koftas will still bind together perfectly and taste amazing.
- Try Grilling: For a smoky, charred flavor, cook these koftas on the grill. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes first. Grill over medium high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. This is one of our favorite grilled chicken recipes for summer.
- Add Hidden Veggies: Finely grate a small zucchini or carrot and squeeze out all the excess moisture. Add it to the chicken mixture for an extra boost of nutrients. The kids will never know!
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce lies in its versatility. It can be the star of a simple weeknight dinner or part of a larger, more elaborate feast. The combination of savory, spiced chicken and cool, tangy yogurt pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes. You can mix and match based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Pita and Salad: Serve the koftas tucked inside warm, fluffy pita bread with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce, some crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions. It is like a delicious, healthier gyro. Pair it with a simple Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad on the side.
- Over Rice or Grains: Create a hearty and flavorful grain bowl. Serve the chicken koftas over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or even couscous. Drizzle with plenty of sauce and top with fresh herbs. This makes for a fantastic and balanced meal, similar to our popular chicken and vegetable skillet.
- With Roasted Vegetables: For a low carb and veggie packed meal, serve the koftas alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes all roast up beautifully and complement the flavors of the koftas perfectly.
- As an Appetizer: Shape the koftas into smaller, bite sized meatballs and serve them on a platter with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties and gatherings. Don’t forget the toothpicks! For more serving ideas, check out this post from Craving California.
Storage & Reheating for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This recipe is great for meal prep, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Storing and reheating everything properly will ensure your meal stays fresh and tasty.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked koftas and the garlic yogurt sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The koftas will keep for up to 3 to 4 days, and the sauce will stay fresh for up to a week. Storing them separately prevents the koftas from becoming soggy.
- Freezer: These koftas freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze them cooked or uncooked.
- Uncooked: Place the shaped, uncooked koftas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cooked: Allow the cooked koftas to cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They will also last for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven or Air Fryer: The best way to reheat the koftas is in the oven or an air fryer. This helps them regain their crispy exterior. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, the microwave works too. Place the koftas on a microwave safe plate and heat them in 30 second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
- Skillet: You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through.
FAQ about Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Can I make chicken koftas ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This is a great make ahead dish. You can prepare the kofta mixture, shape them, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also prepare the garlic yogurt sauce a day or two in advance; in fact, the flavor gets even better as it sits.
- Are chicken koftas healthy?
- Yes, they are a wonderfully healthy option. They are made with lean ground chicken, which is a great source of protein, and packed with fresh herbs. When pan fried with minimal oil or baked, they are low in fat. The garlic yogurt sauce is also much healthier than cream based sauces, providing probiotics and calcium from the Greek yogurt.
- My koftas are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
- This is a common issue that is usually easy to fix. It could be due to a few things: the mixture is too wet, or it wasn’t mixed quite enough. Ensure your onions and parsley are finely chopped and not too watery. The egg and breadcrumbs in the recipe act as a binder, so make sure you’ve included them. If your mixture still feels too wet, you can add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs until it holds its shape better.
- What is the difference between kofta and meatballs?
- While both are made from ground meat, the main differences lie in their shape and spice profile. Koftas, which have origins in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, are typically shaped into ovals or logs and often feature a distinct blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. Meatballs are usually round and associated more with Italian or European cooking. They are similar concepts, just from different culinary traditions. If you enjoy this style of dish, you might also love our chicken gyro wraps.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
And there you have it! A simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying recipe for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce that I truly hope brings a little bit of joy to your dinner table. This is the kind of meal I love to make because it feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, all while being so easy to pull together. It is proof that you don’t need to be a professional chef to create amazing, flavorful food at home.
If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think! I absolutely love hearing from you and seeing your wonderful creations. Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Every bit of feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Want to save this recipe for later? Pin it to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest! And for more easy, family friendly recipes just like this one, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll get all of our latest and greatest dishes delivered straight to your inbox. Now, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped mint or dill if using. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the koftas.
- In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, beaten egg, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Lightly wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture and roll it in your palms to form an oval, log-like shape, about 3 inches long. Place the shaped koftas on a clean plate or baking sheet. Continue until you have used all of the mixture (about 12-15 koftas).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the koftas in the pan, ensuring you don't overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary. Cook the koftas for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the koftas from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Serve the warm Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce drizzled generously over the top. Garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness.