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recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients ground chicken plain yogurt onion garlic parsley cumin coriander salt black pepper lemon juice olive oil fresh herbs dill mint cilantro paprika egg breadcrumbs panko or Italian ginger paste harissa paste sumac zaatar red pepper flakes cinnamon chili powder tomato paste arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
Benjamin

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

These juicy chicken koftas are seasoned with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, then served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce for a quick, flavorful dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

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 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp 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 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint or dill (optional)
  • pinch salt (to taste)
  • pinch black pepper (to taste)

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl,
  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet,
  • Clean plate or baking sheet

Method
 

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  1. 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.
Combine the Kofta Ingredients
  1. 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.
Shape the Koftas
  1. 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).
Cook the Koftas
  1. 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).
Serve and Enjoy
  1. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

Pro Tips: Don't overmix the kofta mixture to avoid tough koftas. Wet your hands when shaping to prevent sticking. Make the sauce ahead for better flavor. Storage: Store cooked koftas and sauce separately in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
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