Name: Chicken Kofta With Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken; 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided for kofta and sauce); 1 inch fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or standard); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking kofta); 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped; Fresh mint leaves or chopped parsley (for garnish, optional); A sprinkle of sumac (for garnish, optional); Extra drizzle of olive oil (for garnish, optional)

Description

Juicy and herb-packed chicken kofta skewers served with a bright, garlicky yogurt sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely grated or minced
3 cloves garlic, minced (divided for kofta and sauce)
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or standard)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking kofta)
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
Fresh mint leaves or chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
A sprinkle of sumac (for garnish, optional)
Extra drizzle of olive oil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Grate or mince the onion and prepare the garlic, ginger, parsley, and cilantro.
In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, onion, minced garlic, ginger, parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, and egg. Add spices, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently to combine and chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the kofta into ovals or patties.
Cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the minced garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and mint. Season and adjust to taste.
Chill the sauce for 15–20 minutes.
Serve kofta warm with yogurt sauce and garnish as desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the kofta mixture before shaping and cooking. The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Chicken, Kofta, Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern, Dinner, Easy Recipe, Skewers