This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of those weeknight-friendly dishes that tastes restaurant-quality without the fuss. Tender spiced chicken, fresh herbs, and aromatics come together to form juicy kofta pan-seared or grilled to perfection paired with a cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce that brightens every bite. If you love big flavors and fast prep, this is the meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of Contents
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
⏱️ At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~420 per serving
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup grated onion (squeezed dry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped dill or parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, paprika, coriander, pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each into oval patties or skewer-shaped logs. Chill for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook kofta for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply browned and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- While the kofta cooks, whisk together yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the hot chicken kofta with generous spoonfuls of garlic yogurt sauce, herbs, and warm flatbread or rice.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
- Ground chicken: Swap with ground turkey or ground lamb for a richer flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt for the sauce.
- Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or a leafy salad.
- Gluten-free: Kofta is naturally GF just ensure sides like pita are GF if needed.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat leads to dense kofta. Mix just until combined.
- Chill before cooking: Helps the kofta stay firm and hold shape in the pan or on the grill.
- Use high heat: A hot skillet ensures deep browning and juicy centers.
- Grill variation: Grill for 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make Ahead: Shape kofta up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Storage: Store cooked kofta and sauce separately for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked kofta for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet or 325°F oven for best texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Kofta falling apart? Ensure the onion is squeezed dry; excess moisture prevents binding.
- Bland flavor? Don’t skip the herbs they add freshness and balance.
- Dry kofta? Avoid overcooking; ground chicken dries quickly.
- Sauce too sharp? Add a teaspoon of olive oil or a pinch of sugar to smooth acidity.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides. Try it with:
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, black pepper and kosher salt. Mix gently just until everything is evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty or log-shaped kofta. Place on a plate or tray and chill for about 10 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken kofta and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until deeply browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the kofta cooks, make the garlic yogurt sauce by whisking together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and chopped dill or parsley in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the hot chicken kofta with generous spoonfuls of garlic yogurt sauce, warm flatbreads or rice, and extra herbs and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a similar flavor and texture.
Can I air-fry chicken kofta?
Yes! air-fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep kofta moist?
Use grated onion and don’t overcook. They add moisture without needing breadcrumbs.
What’s the best yogurt for the sauce?
Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture, but regular yogurt works too.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s flavorful but mild. Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Can I grill the kofta?
Absolutely! grilling adds delicious smoky flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce delivers bold flavor, tender meat, and a cooling, vibrant sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend spreads. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that feels both fresh and comforting. Don’t forget to save and share this recipe for later!