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Chicken Kofta With Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This juicy, herb-packed Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce comes together in under 30 minutes for a vibrant Middle Eastern–style dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for any weeknight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Kofta
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup grated onion squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
  • 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
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 fresh dill or parsley chopped
To Serve (Optional)
  • warm flatbreads or pita
  • cooked rice
  • fresh herbs and lemon wedges

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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

For even juicier chicken kofta, avoid overmixing the meat and make sure the grated onion is well squeezed so the mixture isn’t too wet. You can also swap in ground turkey or lamb, and customize the herbs and spices to taste.