Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired recipe that combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken kofta kebabs with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This easy family-friendly meal is packed with warm spices, fresh herbs, and bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Juicy, tender chicken kofta packed with flavor
- Creamy garlic yogurt sauce complements the kebabs perfectly
- High in protein and family-friendly
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Bakes in the oven for a fuss-free dinner
- Pairs beautifully with rice, salads, and pita bread
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, large stems removed
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine onion, parsley, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add breadcrumbs, ground chicken, coriander, allspice, cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture and shape into elongated kofta around skewers.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- For the sauce, combine yogurt, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Serve the chicken kofta warm with the garlic yogurt sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep the kofta tender.
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping the kebabs.
- Fresh parsley provides the best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy variation.
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, richer sauce.
- The kofta can also be grilled instead of baked.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly, High Protein
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice, couscous, or warm pita bread.
- Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a complete meal.
- The yogurt sauce can be prepared up to one day in advance.
- Ground turkey may be substituted for ground chicken.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
What is chicken kofta?
Chicken kofta is a Middle Eastern-style kebab made from ground chicken mixed with herbs, spices, and aromatics.
Can I grill chicken kofta instead of baking it?
Yes. Grill over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
How do I keep kofta from falling apart?
Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture. Chilling the mixture for 20 minutes before shaping can also help.
Can I make the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes. It is high in protein and uses wholesome ingredients with moderate fat content.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked kofta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked kofta for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 1 small onion peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 bunch parsley large stems removed
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine onion, parsley, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add breadcrumbs, ground chicken, coriander, allspice, cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture and shape into elongated kofta around skewers.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- For the sauce, combine yogurt, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Serve the chicken kofta warm with the garlic yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice, couscous, or warm pita bread.
- Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a complete meal.
- The yogurt sauce can be prepared up to one day in advance.
- Ground turkey may be substituted for ground chicken.
Conclusion
This Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe delivers authentic-inspired flavors with minimal effort. The juicy spiced chicken pairs beautifully with the bright and creamy yogurt sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep alike.