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Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a juicy, spiced ground chicken dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Kofta:

  • 500 g ground chicken about 1 lb
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped (excess moisture squeezed out)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for grilling or pan-searing

For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt whole-milk or Greek
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion (moisture removed), remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture becomes slightly sticky but do not overwork.
  • Shape the mixture into 10–12 kofta logs or oval patties. Chill for 10 minutes to help them firm up.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates with olive oil.
  • Grill the kofta for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • For a stovetop option, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the kofta for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
  • Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the yogurt sauce if you prefer extra tanginess.
  • Serve the Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce spooned underneath or alongside. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Serve with warm pita bread, flatbread, or over basmati rice.