introduction
This simple Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe makes soft grilled koftas and a cool yogurt sauce. The koftas use ground chicken, herbs, and spices. They cook on a grill in about 10–12 minutes. If you like quick chicken meals, try a related recipe like 20-minute honey garlic chicken for another fast dinner idea.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Ground chicken keeps the koftas light. The garlic yogurt sauce adds a fresh, cool taste. This dish works for weeknights, small gatherings, or meal prep. If you want another easy garlic chicken dish, look at Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce for a different texture and flavor.
how to make Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Mix the ingredients for koftas, shape them, grill, and make the yogurt sauce. Keep hands wet when shaping so the mixture does not stick. Use medium heat and turn the koftas often so they cook evenly. You can find tips on cooking chicken and garlic together in recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti which shows how garlic adds strong flavor without overcooking the chicken.
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
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Serve the grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
how to serve Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Serve koftas hot with a spoon of garlic yogurt sauce on top or on the side. They go well with flatbread, rice, or salad. For a full meal, pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh herb salad. If you like serving chicken in family-style dishes, try pairing with protein-rich chicken enchiladas for a hearty option.
how to store Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Cool the koftas and sauce before storing. Put koftas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the yogurt sauce in a separate container for up to 2 days. Reheat koftas gently in a pan or oven to keep them moist. Do not freeze the yogurt sauce; instead make a fresh batch after thawing koftas if you freeze them.
tips to make Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Keep your hands damp when shaping koftas so the meat does not stick.
- Do not overcook; check the center for no pink and a safe temperature.
- Chill the kofta mix for 15 minutes if it feels too soft before shaping.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon for best flavor in the sauce.
- For more creamy sauce ideas, see Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for inspiration on creamy dressings.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped mint or cilantro to the kofta mix for different herbs.
- Mix a little chili powder or paprika for heat.
- Use ground lamb instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- Add diced green pepper or grated carrot to the mix for extra texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these koftas instead of grilling?
A: Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Q: Can I make the kofta mix ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can mix and shape koftas, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Q: Is plain yogurt required for the sauce?
A: Plain yogurt gives a mild taste. You can use Greek yogurt for thicker sauce.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked koftas?
A: Yes. Cool them and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q: How do I know koftas are fully cooked?
A: Cut one in the middle to check that it is no longer pink, or use a meat thermometer to reach 74°C (165°F).
Conclusion
For more chicken kofta ideas and sauces, check this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce – Cooking with Carbs guide that has similar flavors. If you want a kebab-style view, see Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Garlicky Yogurt Sauce | Babaganosh for step-by-step photos. For a version with herb salad, read Chicken Koftas with Yogurt and Herb Salad. For a spicier twist, try the harissa and garlic-mint yogurt pairing in this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Garlic-Mint Yogurt recipe. For a related lamb kofta and yogurt dressing idea, see Lamb Koftas with Yoghurt Dressing – RecipeTin Eats.
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 500 grams ground chicken Keep ground chicken light for softer koftas.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Use fresh parsley for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For brushing the grill.
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker sauce.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Adds freshness to the sauce.
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Chill the kofta mix for 15 minutes if it feels too soft before shaping.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
Serving
- Serve the grilled koftas hot with a spoon of garlic yogurt sauce on top or on the side.