Get Ready for Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – So Easy!

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

• 1 ½ pounds ground chicken (93% lean): The star protein for our easy and juicy chicken kofta. Using 93% lean ensures flavor without excessive grease.
• ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion: Provides essential moisture and a sweet, aromatic base for the kofta. Finely chop it to integrate seamlessly into the mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, foundational flavor to the chicken kofta. Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference here.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Infuses the kofta with fresh, herbaceous notes. This vibrant herb is crucial for Mediterranean flavor.
• ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs: The secret for incredibly juicy kofta, helping bind ingredients and retain moisture. Use plain, not seasoned, for best control.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your kofta holds its shape beautifully during cooking. A room temperature egg mixes in more evenly.
• 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat): The creamy base for our decadent garlic yogurt sauce. Full-fat yogurt provides the best texture and richness.
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry: Adds a refreshing crunch and classic tzatziki-style flavor to the sauce. Squeeze well to avoid a watery sauce.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides a sharp, aromatic kick to the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Mince finely for an even flavor distribution.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a zesty tang, balancing the richness of the yogurt. Freshly squeezed is always superior.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for cooking the kofta and adds a silky finish to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice is essential, providing the signature Mediterranean flavor to the kofta. Don’t skip this key ingredient.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky depth to the chicken kofta. Sweet paprika also works if you prefer less smoke.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Crucial for enhancing all the flavors in both the kofta and the sauce. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and rounds out the overall seasoning profile. Freshly ground pepper offers superior aroma.

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

Make Sauce:

First, grate the cucumber and squeeze it very dry to remove excess water. In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to emulsify, then chill this creamy sauce while you prepare the Chicken Kofta.

Mix Kofta:

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, plain breadcrumbs, large egg, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Form Kofta:

Divide the chicken mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval or cylindrical kofta, about 3-4 inches long. Place them on a plate, ready for cooking. This technique helps ensure even cooking for your juicy Chicken Kofta.

Cook Kofta:

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kofta in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Rest Kofta:

Once cooked, transfer the chicken kofta to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout, ensuring your Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce remains incredibly juicy.

Assemble Dish:

Arrange the warm, rested Chicken Kofta on individual serving plates. Dollop generous amounts of the chilled creamy garlic yogurt sauce alongside each serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Serve Warm:

Serve your delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Easy & Juicy immediately. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, warm pita bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that brings smiles to the table.

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

To store your Chicken Kofta, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce in a separate airtight container; it stays fresh for 2-3 days. Improper storage can lead to dry kofta – a mistake I made! Always check for any off smells or unusual texture before serving.

You can prepare the kofta mixture a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. The garlic yogurt sauce can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Serve kofta warm with chilled sauce for the best experience.

Reheat kofta gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness. Keep sauce separate until serving.

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

To **serve** this delicious Chicken Kofta, arrange the warm kofta on plates and dollop generously with the chilled garlic yogurt sauce. For a **perfect** presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is lovely. The warm kofta **pair** beautifully with the cool, creamy sauce. You’ll **enjoy** it with fluffy rice or warm pita bread for a truly satisfying meal.

My personal favorite way to **serve** these kofta is with warm pita bread and a crisp green salad. This **perfect** combination offers a refreshing contrast to the rich kofta, making each bite an absolute delight to **enjoy**.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Easy & Juicy Chicken Kofta gluten-free for dietary needs?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. I’ve found both work well to bind the kofta, ensuring they remain deliciously juicy and flavorful for everyone to enjoy.

→ Can I freeze Get Ready for Juicy Chicken Kofta for meal prep?

Yes, you can freeze cooked kofta! Once cooled, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their juiciness.

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

Yes, ground turkey works well! Opt for 93% lean ground turkey for the best texture and juiciness. You might need a tiny bit more olive oil when cooking if it’s leaner, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

→ How do I prevent my Chicken Kofta from becoming dry and tough?

The key is gentle mixing and proper resting. Don’t overwork the meat mixture, and always rest the cooked kofta for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring your kofta stay incredibly juicy, not like hockey pucks!

→ How long can I store the Easy & Juicy Chicken Kofta and garlic yogurt sauce?

Store cooked kofta in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate, as it’s best consumed within 2-3 days. Always check for freshness before serving.