Mouthwatering Chicken Kofta: Easy & Juicy with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy

• 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken (93% lean): The star of our Chicken Kofta, providing a lean, high-protein base. Opt for 93% lean for the juiciest kofta.
• 1/2 cup Yellow Onion, finely grated: Adds essential moisture and a subtle sweetness to the kofta. Grating ensures it integrates seamlessly without large chunks.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: A foundational aromatic, infusing the kofta with pungent, savory depth. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Brightens the kofta with a fresh, herbaceous note. Flat-leaf parsley is ideal for its vibrant flavor and color.
• 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Our secret to juicy kofta, absorbing moisture and acting as a binder. Panko creates a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs.
• 1 Large Egg: Essential binder, helping the kofta hold its shape during cooking. Ensures your kofta stays together, preventing crumbly mishaps.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for searing the kofta, developing a beautiful crust and locking in moisture. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: This warming spice is an essential flavor builder for authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Kofta. Don’t skip this earthy aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet note that complements the cumin beautifully. Freshly ground coriander offers superior aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Provides a lovely color and a subtle smoky depth to the chicken. Sweet paprika works too, but smoked adds complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the kofta. Adjust to taste, but don’t under-season your base.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Adds a pungent warmth and subtle heat to the kofta mixture. Freshly ground pepper makes a significant difference.
• 1.5 cups Plain Greek Yogurt, full-fat: The creamy foundation of our cooling Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Full-fat yogurt offers the best texture and richness.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: The pungent heart of the Garlic Yogurt Sauce, delivering bold, fresh flavor. Use fresh garlic for maximum impact.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens both the kofta and the sauce with a zesty, acidic kick. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint, chopped: A refreshing finishing touch and garnish for the Garlic Yogurt Sauce. It adds a vibrant, cooling contrast.

How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy

Prep Kofta Base:

Finely grate onion, mince garlic, and chop fresh parsley. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with these prepped ingredients, panko breadcrumbs, and one large egg. This forms the flavorful base for our juicy kofta.

Season Kofta:

Add ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the chicken mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This brings the authentic flavor to the Chicken Kofta.

Form Kofta:

Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Shape the seasoned chicken mixture into small, oblong kofta, about 2 inches long. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking. This technique ensures perfectly cooked Chicken Kofta.

Make Yogurt Sauce:

While the kofta rests, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped mint in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and chill until serving, creating the cooling contrast.

Sear Kofta:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place kofta in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Plate & Garnish:

Arrange the beautifully seared kofta on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with the prepared cooling Garlic Yogurt Sauce. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color.

Serve Kofta:

Serve your delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy immediately. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a refreshing simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy

To store leftover Chicken Kofta, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave them out too long, or they’ll spoil quickly—a mistake I learned the hard way! Discard if they develop an off smell or slimy texture.

You can prepare the kofta mixture and the garlic yogurt sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them separate and well-covered in the refrigerator. Cook the kofta just before serving to ensure they are juicy and delicious.

Always store the sauce separately. Reheat kofta gently in a pan or microwave, then add fresh, chilled sauce just before serving.

What to Serve with Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy

Serve your Easy & Juicy Chicken Kofta warm, fresh from the pan, artfully arranged on a platter. Drizzle generously with the cooling garlic yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. They pair perfectly with warm pita bread, fluffy basmati rice, or a crisp cucumber salad. Enjoy this flavorful meal with friends and family.

I personally love to serve this kofta tucked into warm pita pockets with extra garlic yogurt and a simple chopped tomato and cucumber salad. It creates a complete, satisfying meal that’s easy to enjoy and bursting with fresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken in this Easy & Juicy Chicken Kofta recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey! I’ve tried it, and while still delicious, it can be a bit drier. For best results, use 93% lean ground turkey and consider adding a touch more olive oil when searing to maintain juiciness.

→ How do I prevent my Mouthwatering Chicken Kofta from falling apart during cooking?

Overmixing is often the culprit for crumbly kofta; mix gently until just combined. Also, chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before forming helps them firm up significantly. Lightly oiling your hands helps too!

→ Can I make and freeze Mouthwatering Chicken Kofta ahead for later?

Yes, you can! Form the kofta, then freeze them raw on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before searing for best juicy results.

→ How long do cooked Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce last in the fridge?

Cooked kofta will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the garlic yogurt sauce separately; it also keeps for 3-4 days. Reheat kofta gently, then add fresh, chilled sauce just before serving.

→ Can I make this Easy & Juicy Chicken Kofta recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. I’ve found both work well to bind the kofta without compromising on texture or flavor.