Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Ground Chicken: 500 grams (about 1 pound); Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped; Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon; Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon; Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste); Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste); Plain Yogurt: 1 cup; Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for grilling)

Say hello to a dish that’s every bit as exciting as it sounds: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired meal wraps juicy, spice-laced ground chicken koftas in a cloud of cool, tangy yogurt sauce, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this is truly A Must-Try! The best part? You can pull it off in 30 minutes flat. Let’s dig in and discover why this recipe deserves a spot on your repeat list!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients combine to create something extraordinary. Every element, from the aromatic spices to the creamy yogurt, serves a purpose in building texture, taste, and vibrant color—making this meal delightfully memorable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken: The perfect base for kofta—tender, lean, and soaks up all the spices beautifully.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture for juicier koftas.
Garlic: Brings a punch of savory flavor and forms the backbone of the koftas and the cafe-worthy yogurt sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Lends freshness and color while brightening every bite.
Ground Cumin: Infuses warmth and a distinct Middle Eastern earthiness.
Ground Coriander: Offers gentle, lemony undertones that lift the whole dish.
Salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and rounds out the taste.
Plain Yogurt: The creamy foundation for that dreamy garlic sauce—full-fat is best for richness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the yogurt sauce and brings everything into harmony.
Olive Oil: Prevents sticking and helps get those irresistible golden grill marks.

How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Mix Up the Kofta

Start by reaching for your largest mixing bowl and combining the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and a healthy handful of parsley. This is the core of the A Must-Try! flavor experience, and don’t be afraid to get your hands in there—it’s the best way to bring these ingredients together for perfectly tender koftas.

Step 2: Spice it Right

Now sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly; you want every bite to sing with those warm spices and aromatic herbs. If you love a bit of extra heat or have a signature spice, this is the moment to make it your own.

Step 3: Shape That Kofta Magic

With damp hands, shape your mixture into elongated ovals. This classic shape means more surface area for those incredible grill marks and even cooking. If you want minis for snacking or sliders, just make them smaller—it’s your kitchen, your A Must-Try!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush it with a little olive oil. Carefully lay on the koftas, then leave them be for 5 to 7 minutes per side—no peeking! You’re looking for golden brown goodness and an internal temp of 75°C (165°F). This step brings that irresistible charred flavor and tender interior that sets this recipe apart.

Step 5: Whip Up That Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas rest (don’t skip this—resting locks in all those juices!), grab a small bowl and stir together the yogurt, lemon juice, a touch of salt, and a clove of minced garlic. This sauce is creamy, cooling, and perfectly balances the warm, savory kofta—a true A Must-Try! touch.

How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro makes these koftas come alive visually and adds a bright, herbal aroma. For a little extravagance, scatter some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the sauce. These little touches make this dish even more inviting and turn it into an A Must-Try! centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Serve your koftas alongside fluffy steamed rice, warm gluten-free flatbreads, or a crisp, vibrant chopped salad. Roasted vegetables—or even a simple tomato and cucumber salad—are classic pairings that soak up the garlic yogurt sauce beautifully. These easy sides transform your meal into a satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering the koftas for a party-friendly platter, or nestle them into pita pockets with lettuce and veggies for a fabulous handheld dinner. You could even set up a DIY kofta bowl bar with rice, sauce, and toppings, letting everyone build their own A Must-Try! creation. It’s fun, customizable, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers (no promises!), keep the koftas and sauce separate in airtight containers. This helps everything stay as fresh as possible for up to three days in the refrigerator. That way, you can assemble last-minute lunches or quick dinners that are just as tempting as the first time around.

Freezing

For meal prep superstars, raw or cooked kofta freeze beautifully! Shape the raw mixture and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, or cool cooked kofta completely before freezing. Yogurt sauce is best made fresh, but the koftas will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating

To keep koftas juicy, reheat gently—either in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, or in a hot skillet with a splash of water. The grilled flavor comes right back to life! Just give the yogurt sauce a quick stir before serving, and you’re back to A Must-Try! status in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully and soaks up the spices just as well as chicken. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as turkey can be even leaner and may cook a bit faster.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default—this kofta focuses on fragrant Middle Eastern spices, not heat. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the mix for a gentle kick.

Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?

Yes! Arrange the shaped koftas on a lined baking sheet, spray with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still capture that fantastic flavor and golden color.

What kind of yogurt is best for the sauce?

Full-fat plain yogurt gives the sauce the most luxurious taste and body, but low-fat or even Greek yogurt are great choices too. Try straining regular yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.

Can I make the koftas ahead of time?

Of course! You can shape the koftas up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights a breeze—yet another reason this recipe is A Must-Try!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that pulls off major flavor with minimal fuss, Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is A Must-Try! From weekday dinners to celebratory platters, this recipe always wows. Trust me—once you taste it, you’ll be coming back again and again. Give this A Must-Try! recipe a go and let it become a new favorite at your table!