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Best Chicken Kofta Recipe with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender, spiced chicken meatballs with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup grated yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 23 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 12 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of ground chicken.
  2. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup grated yellow onion (squeezing out any excess moisture), and 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Crack in 1 large egg and add 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. After chilling, remove the kofta mixture from the fridge and lightly oil your hands.
  7. Shape about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into small, elongated log shapes, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick. You should get about 18-20 kofta pieces.
  8. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Carefully place the kofta into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Transfer the cooked kofta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  11. In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
  12. Add 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced, and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
  13. Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill or mint, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
  14. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
  15. Arrange the warm chicken kofta on a serving platter and generously spoon the creamy garlic yogurt sauce over the kofta or serve it on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't overmix the kofta mixture to ensure tenderness. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help it hold its shape while cooking. Fresh herbs are key for the best flavor in the garlic yogurt sauce.