Chicken Kofta With Garlic Yogurt (Printable View)
Juicy spiced chicken meatballs paired with tangy garlic yogurt sauce
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken Kofta
01 - 1.1 lb ground chicken
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp ground coriander
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
14 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
15 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
16 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
17 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
18 - 1 tbsp olive oil
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
20 - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
21 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
02 - Wet your hands and shape the mixture into small oval or round meatballs, using approximately 2 tablespoons per kofta.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the kofta in batches without overcrowding the pan for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
04 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Arrange the hot chicken kofta on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The warm spice blend hits different when you let the mixture rest briefly before shaping
- That creamy garlic yogurt sauce transforms everything it touches
02 -
- Wet hands prevent sticking while shaping, and the meat mixture holds together better if chilled for 15 minutes first
- Letting the yogurt sauce sit allows the garlic to mellow and meld with the other flavors
03 -
- Mix the spices into a small bowl first to ensure even distribution
- Room temperature meat forms more cohesive kofta than cold meat straight from the fridge