Description
A cozy and slightly fancy chicken kofta recipe served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 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)
- 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
- Finely grate or mince the medium onion. Mince 1 clove of garlic for the kofta mixture. Grate the fresh ginger and finely chop fresh parsley and cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro. Add breadcrumbs, egg, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix all kofta ingredients until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Moisten hands and roll the mixture into oval or cylindrical shapes about 2 to 3 inches long.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the kofta for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, mince the remaining garlic. In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and mint. Season with salt and black pepper, and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve kofta warm with garlic yogurt sauce on top. Garnish with mint leaves, sumac, and olive oil if desired, and enjoy with pita bread, rice, couscous, or salad.
Notes
Chill the kofta mixture to hold shape and avoid overworking the meat. Adjust seasoning and serve with preferred sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken kofta, garlic yogurt sauce, easy recipe, Middle Eastern cuisine, weeknight meals