🍗 Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

A flavorful and juicy Middle Eastern-inspired dish, these Chicken Koftas are seasoned with fragrant spices, grilled or baked to perfection, and paired with a creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce that takes them to the next level. This dish is perfect for a light yet filling dinner or meal prep, packed with protein and flavor!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Kofta:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast (or thigh for more moisture)

• ½ small onion, finely grated or chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon ground paprika

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or baking)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken Kofta Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix well with your hands or a spoon until fully combined. If the mixture feels a bit too dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of water to help bind it.

2️⃣ Shape the Koftas

Take a small handful of the chicken mixture (about 2–3 tablespoons) and form it into a log shape, similar to a sausage. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Alternatively, you can shape them into small meatballs if you prefer.

3️⃣ Cook the Koftas

You can cook these koftas in a few different ways:

• Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium heat. Brush the koftas with olive oil and grill for about 6–8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.

• Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the koftas for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

4️⃣ Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas are cooking, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

5️⃣ Serve

Serve the koftas with a generous drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce. You can also serve them with:

• Warm pita or flatbread

• Fresh salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions)

• Rice or couscous

📊 Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 250–280

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fat: 12g

• Points: 4 (may vary slightly based on specific ingredients)

❓ Q&A Section

❓ Can I make Chicken Koftas ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and refrigerate the koftas for up to 24 hours before cooking them. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

❓ Can I freeze Chicken Kofta?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked koftas on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours before transferring them to a Ziploc bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook, bake or grill from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

❓ How do I know if the koftas are cooked through?

To check, insert a meat thermometer into the center of a kofta. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one in half to check that the inside is no longer pink.

❓ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey will work well for this recipe! Just ensure it’s lean turkey (not the ground with skin) for similar texture and flavor.

❓ Is the Garlic Yogurt Sauce spicy?

Not at all! The sauce is creamy and mild, with a hint of garlic and lemon. If you like more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the yogurt sauce.

❓ Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt, like coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt, to make the dish dairy-free. Make sure to choose a variety that’s thick and creamy.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side of roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a low-carb option.

• Add a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing touch.

• Serve on a bed of quinoa or couscous for extra heartiness.