I love food that feels like home and cooks fast. My Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is one of those dishes. I make it when I want a warm, bright meal that does not take all night. I also link to a dish that pairs well when you want a different texture, like my crispy parmesan chicken with garlic cream sauce for a crunchy contrast.
Dad James taught me to shape koftas by hand and to laugh when one falls apart. Mom Eva used to sit nearby and taste the yogurt sauce as I stirred. Sister Jennifer asks for the recipe every time we meet.
Your Ingredients List
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
My Go-To Equipment
I keep my tools small and simple. I use a large bowl to mix, a sharp knife for the onion and parsley, and a tray to place the koftas before grilling. I like a medium-hot grill or a hot grill pan for good char. For a quick read on heat and timing, I often refer readers to a post where I share tips about high-heat cooking and sauce balance, such as my notes on fiery chicken ramen with creamy garlic sauce for timing ideas.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Put the ground chicken in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped onion.
- Add the minced garlic.
- Add the parsley.
- Add the cumin.
- Add the coriander.
- Add the salt and black pepper.
- Mix the meat mix well with clean hands.
- Shape the mix into small oval koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with oil.
- Place the koftas on the hot grill.
- Turn the koftas now and then as they brown.
- Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through.
- Put the yogurt in a small bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the yogurt.
- Stir the yogurt mix until smooth.
- Serve the koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I like to keep this dish light. You can swap half the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms to add fiber and lower fat. You can also use low-fat yogurt without losing the tang. If you want more herbs, add mint or dill to the mix for fresh flavor. For a spice lift, add a small pinch of chili flakes to the kofta mix or to the sauce. For ideas on bold but simple flavor swaps, I also explore variations in my post about fiery chicken ramen with creamy garlic sauce.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I serve these koftas with warm flatbread. I add a pile of pickled cucumbers and tomato salad. A side of roasted eggplant works well. For a full plate, add rice pilaf or simple lemon rice. I like to drizzle a little extra olive oil on the yogurt sauce and sprinkle smoked paprika for color. Serve with wedges of lemon so each person can add extra brightness to their plate.
Getting It Just Right
Cook the koftas until they reach a safe internal temperature and feel firm to the touch. Watch the grill heat. Too high heat will char the outside while the inside stays raw. If you use a grill pan, press lightly to form a good sear. If a kofta falls apart, press it back together gently and let it rest a minute before you move it again. Taste the sauce and add a squeeze of lemon if you want more zip.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool the koftas to room temperature before you store them. Put them in an airtight box and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Store the yogurt sauce in a separate small jar. If you freeze the koftas, wrap them well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pan or in the oven set to low heat.
Enjoy Every Moment
I make this recipe when I want a small feast that feels warm and bright. The koftas cook fast, and the sauce makes them feel special. I hope you make them for friends and family and that the kitchen fills with good talk and laughter.
A Few Common Questions
[FAQ Question 1 including the recipe name]
Yes. You can bake Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce in the oven. Place the shaped koftas on a lined sheet tray and bake at 200 C (about 400 F) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until they are cooked through.
[FAQ Question 2 including the recipe name]
Yes. Ground lamb or beef will work in Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce if you want a richer taste. Use the same spice mix, but watch the cook time as fattier meats may cook faster and need a slightly hotter sear.
[FAQ Question 3 including the recipe name]
You can make the garlic yogurt sauce a day ahead for Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Keep it chilled in a sealed container. Add a small squeeze of lemon just before serving to refresh the flavor if you like.
Print
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm, bright meal of chicken koftas served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Put the ground chicken in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped onion.
- Add the minced garlic.
- Add the parsley.
- Add the cumin.
- Add the coriander.
- Add the salt and black pepper.
- Mix the meat mix well with clean hands.
- Shape the mix into small oval koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with oil.
- Place the koftas on the hot grill.
- Turn the koftas now and then as they brown.
- Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through.
- Put the yogurt in a small bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the yogurt.
- Stir the yogurt mix until smooth.
- Serve the koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can swap half the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms. Use low-fat yogurt if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Middle Eastern Recipe, Quick Dinner