Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce – Juicy Middle Eastern Flavor
Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce features juicy spiced ground chicken served with creamy lemon yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Kofta
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley minced
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley minced
For Serving
- Pita bread
- Red onion thinly sliced
- Tomato wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Kofta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pine nuts, onion, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sumac, nutmeg, paprika, cumin, and parsley.
- Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the kofta tender.
- Shape the mixture into oval logs or patties about 3–4 inches long.
- For best results, refrigerate the shaped kofta for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
Cook the Kofta
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil if necessary.
- Cook kofta for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and parsley until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble and Serve
- Warm pita bread.
- Serve Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce inside pita or on a platter topped with red onion and tomato wedges.
- Drizzle generously with yogurt sauce before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey or beef can substitute for chicken.