There’s something magical about the combination of juicy ground chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy, tangy sauce that makes Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce a true weeknight winner. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for an easy yet impressive dinner, this dish is about to become your new best friend. It’s flavorful, quick to prepare, and—bonus!—it feels just a bit fancy without being fussy. Perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or even when you’re trying to wow guests without breaking a sweat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Bursting with Flavor: Juicy ground chicken mixed with warm spices and fresh herbs for the ultimate savory bite.
- Creamy, Tangy Sauce: The garlic yogurt sauce is rich yet refreshing, perfectly balancing the spiced kofta.
- Easy Weeknight Hero: Quick to prep, simple to cook, and impressive enough for guests.
- Versatile and Fun: Serve with rice, in pita pockets, or alongside a crisp salad—this dish fits every craving.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters love dunking the kofta in that irresistible sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Chicken: 500g (about 1 pound)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Plain Yogurt: 1 cup
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for grilling)
Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Think of it as giving yourself the gift of stress-free cooking!
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Cooking these kofta is easier than you might think, and the best part is that it all comes together in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a platter of juicy, flavorful kofta ready to enjoy.
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix until everything is evenly combined. Mixing by hand helps the ingredients bind better and gives you perfectly tender kofta. If you’re not a fan of getting your hands messy, you can use a spoon, but trust me—the texture is worth it!
2. Shape the Kofta
Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take portions of the mixture and form oval-shaped kofta—aim for 10–12 pieces. You can shape them on skewers if you want a kebab-style look, or keep them as patties for easier grilling. Each kofta should be uniform in size so they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Kofta
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a hint of richness. Cook the kofta for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Avoid pressing down on them while cooking—this keeps all those flavorful juices inside.
4. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
While the kofta cook, prepare the sauce by mixing plain yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. For extra punch, stir in a minced garlic clove. If you prefer a creamier texture, whisk the yogurt well before adding other ingredients. Chill the sauce for a few minutes while you finish the kofta.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the kofta on a platter and drizzle generously with garlic yogurt sauce. Add a sprinkle of parsley or even a dash of paprika on top for color. These kofta pair beautifully with warm pita, fluffy rice, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Kofta Ever
- Don’t skip the parsley! It brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Use a meat thermometer. No one likes dry kofta. 165°F is your magic number.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a gentle kick.
I still remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—let’s just say there were no leftovers. My kids loved dunking theirs in extra sauce, and my husband actually requested them again two nights later. That’s when I knew this was a keeper!
FAQs About Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well, though it may be slightly leaner—so watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?
Definitely. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a great flavor without the grill.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked kofta and sauce separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the kofta in a skillet or oven for best results.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Shape the raw kofta, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Ready to Try This Tonight?
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is that dreamy mix of easy and delicious that makes weeknight dinners feel special. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping, stuffing into pitas, or just enjoying with a simple salad on the side. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
If you’re looking for a dish that feels homemade yet restaurant-worthy, this recipe checks all the boxes. The kofta are tender and packed with flavor, the sauce is bright and creamy, and the whole meal can be on the table in under half an hour. Serve it with warm flatbread, fluffy couscous, or even roasted veggies for a complete, satisfying dinner. Your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love how effortless it is to pull together on a busy night.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
Looking for more mouthwatering chicken dishes to add to your weekly rotation? These recipes pair wonderfully with the flavors of Chicken Kofta and are just as easy to make:
- Try the savory and comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a creamy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
- Add some variety to your meal plan with the flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Spice things up with these hearty Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, loaded with Tex-Mex goodness.
- If you love fusion flavors, you’ll enjoy the crispy and bold Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos—a fun twist on taco night.
Tried this recipe? Leave a review and let us know how it turned out! For more inspiration and new recipes every week, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and join our growing cooking community.
Print
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 kofta (4 servings) 1x
Description
Juicy and flavorful, this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender spiced chicken skewers are grilled and topped with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or pita bread.
Ingredients
500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until well combined.
Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands, then form the mixture into 10–12 oval-shaped kofta or place them on skewers.
Cook the Kofta: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Cook the kofta for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and optional minced garlic for extra flavor.
Serve: Arrange kofta on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with parsley. Serve with rice, pita, or salad.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F is the safe internal temperature.
Kofta can be baked at 400°F for 18–20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
Freeze raw kofta on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag to cook later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3 kofta + sauce)
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg