Description
This Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced ground chicken shaped into tender koftas, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances aromatic spices with fresh herbs and a refreshing sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Kofta Mixture
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with cilantro)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
For Grilling
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For grilling)
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt (Substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking, then shape the mixture into 10-12 oval-shaped kofta pieces.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Grill the Kofta: Place the kofta on the prepared grill, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Mix the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the grilled kofta alongside a generous serving of the garlic yogurt sauce. Add your favorite side dishes to complete the meal.
Notes
- To prevent kofta from sticking to your hands when shaping, keep your hands wet or lightly oiled.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner kofta option.
- For a dairy-free version of the sauce, use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
- Ensure the grill is properly heated and oiled to avoid sticking and to achieve a good sear.
- The internal temperature of the kofta should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure safe consumption.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or a salad for a complete meal.
