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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground chicken formed into tender oblong meatballs, pan-seared to perfection, and served with a refreshing garlic dill yogurt sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it’s accompanied by warm pita bread or rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Kofta

  • 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 tablespoon 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)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Pita bread or rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the kofta tender.
  2. Test the Seasoning: Scoop about a teaspoon of the mixture and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Taste and adjust salt and spices in the main mixture as needed.
  3. Form the Kofta: With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into small sausages or oblong meatballs about 1.5 to 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Chill the Kofta (Optional): Place the formed kofta on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
  5. Cook the Chicken Kofta: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. Sear the Kofta: Place the kofta gently into the skillet, spacing them out. Sear on all sides for about 2-3 minutes each until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  7. Cook Through: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook the kofta for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are fully cooked.
  8. Rest the Kofta (Optional): Remove the kofta from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
  9. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill.
  10. Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  11. Chill the Sauce (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  12. Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken kofta on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using dark meat ground chicken adds more moisture and flavor to the kofta.
  • Chilling the kofta before cooking helps them hold their shape and reduces the chance of falling apart.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free options if desired.
  • The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor.
  • For a spicier kofta, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Ensure the kofta are cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, spiced chicken meatballs, healthy chicken kofta, Greek yogurt sauce, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/chicken-kofta-with-garlic-yogurt-sauce-recipe/