Name: Grilled Chicken Kofta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made of spiced ground chicken formed into tender, juicy patties. Perfect for grilling, these koftas pair wonderfully with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.

Three grilled kebabs with a light brown cooked surface and charred spots lie side by side on a white plate with a blue-gray texture. Each kebab has a layer of white creamy sauce drizzled in a line down the middle, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Additional green herbs are scattered around the plate edge. The photo is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams (about 1 pound) ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley.
Step 2: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Wet your hands with water and shape the mixture into elongated oval-shaped koftas.
Step 4: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the koftas for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: While the koftas are cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Step 7: Serve the grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce alongside your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of grated onion or a splash of milk to the chicken mixture.
Try adding chopped mint or dill for a fresh herbal twist.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the koftas in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store cooked chicken koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep them moist. The garlic yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Four grilled meat kebabs with a light brown color and some charred spots are lined up on a white plate. Each kebab is covered with white sauce that has bits of green herbs mixed in. Bright green chopped parsley is sprinkled over the kebabs and sauce. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the scene is close up, showing the texture of the meat and sauce clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chicken kofta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the kofta mixture a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator before grilling. This helps the flavors meld together.

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

Ground turkey or lean ground beef are good substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat you choose.