Unbelievably Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Print Version)
How to make easy and juicy chicken kofta with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner your family will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20-25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Lean Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Kofta Base & Sauce Foundation
01 -
1 ½ pounds ground chicken (lean, 93/7 recommended)
02 -
1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
03 -
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
06 -
½ medium yellow onion (finely grated or minced)
→ Key Aromatics & Freshness
07 -
4-5 garlic cloves (minced, divided for kofta and sauce)
08 -
½ cup fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
09 -
¼ cup fresh mint (chopped, for sauce)
10 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
→ Essential Spices & Seasonings
11 -
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
12 -
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
13 -
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
→ Optional Garnish & Brightness
14 -
½ English cucumber (finely diced, for sauce)
15 -
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
# Instructions:
01 -
Finely grate your onion and mince half the garlic. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, salt, pepper, and half the chopped parsley. This forms the base for our juicy Chicken Kofta.
02 -
Gently mix the kofta ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep them tender. Divide the mixture and carefully form it into oval or cylindrical shapes, about 2-3 inches long. A light hand ensures incredibly juicy chicken kofta.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kofta in batches, without crowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
04 -
While kofta cooks, prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, remaining minced garlic, chopped mint, lemon juice, and the rest of the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add diced cucumber if using.
05 -
Arrange your perfectly cooked Chicken Kofta on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce. For a final touch, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and a little extra fresh mint or parsley if you like.
06 -
Serve this Unbelievably Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce immediately. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, a fresh salad, or rice. Enjoy this easy weeknight meal, a true family favorite!
# Notes:
01 -
Gently mix kofta ingredients until just combined to prevent tough, dry results; avoid overmixing.
02 -
Store cooked kofta and garlic yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
03 -
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or an equal amount of almond flour instead of Panko.
04 -
Serve warm with pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a delightful and balanced meal.
05 -
Form kofta and make sauce a day in advance; store separately and cook kofta right before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
medium mixing bowl
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
grater
07 -
garlic mincer
08 -
whisk
09 -
knife
10 -
cutting board
11 -
serving platter
12 -
meat thermometer
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 16g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 35g