Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt is one of those dishes that feels both rustic and vibrant at the same time. Juicy, spiced ground chicken shaped into tender logs or patties, grilled until lightly charred, then served with a cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce—it’s simple food layered with bold flavor. Every bite delivers warmth from cumin and coriander, freshness from parsley, and brightness from lemony yogurt.
Kofta is popular across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines, with each region adding its own signature spices and cooking techniques. This version keeps things approachable and balanced, making it perfect for home cooks looking to try something flavorful without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, it’s packed with flavor. Ground cumin and coriander create earthy depth, while garlic and onion add aromatic richness. Fresh parsley brightens the mixture, keeping it from feeling heavy.
Second, it’s quick to prepare. The kofta mixture comes together in minutes, and cooking takes less than 15 minutes whether you grill or pan-sear.
Another reason to love this recipe is how light yet satisfying it feels. Using ground chicken keeps it lean, while the yogurt sauce adds creaminess without heaviness.
Finally, it’s meal-prep friendly. Cook a batch ahead of time and use it throughout the week in wraps, bowls, or salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Kofta
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Ground chicken acts as the base, absorbing the spices beautifully. Onion and garlic build depth, while parsley adds freshness. The yogurt sauce balances everything with cool tanginess.
Let’s Get Started
– In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the kofta dense.
– Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into small logs or oval patties. If using skewers, mold the mixture around them for traditional presentation.
– Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the kofta in the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until browned and fully cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
– While the kofta cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
– Once the kofta is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce.
Servings and Pairing Variations
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Pair with:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Basmati rice or couscous
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Roasted vegetables
Variations:
- Add chili flakes for heat
- Include grated zucchini for extra moisture
- Swap parsley for cilantro
- Serve with hummus or tahini sauce
You can also turn the kofta into sliders or stuff them into wraps for a handheld option.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked kofta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked shaped kofta for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
Store yogurt sauce separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, turkey works well as a substitute.
How do I keep the kofta from falling apart?
Mix gently and avoid too much moisture from onions.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it contains no gluten.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt combines bold spices, tender texture, and cool tangy sauce in a beautifully balanced dish. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough for entertaining. With minimal ingredients and flexible serving options, this recipe offers a delicious way to bring global-inspired flavors into your kitchen.
Print
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender spiced chicken kofta made with cumin, coriander, garlic, and parsley, served with a creamy lemon garlic yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape mixture into 8 small logs or oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook kofta 4–5 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, lemon juice, and salt.
- Serve kofta warm with garlic yogurt sauce spooned over or on the side.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing to keep kofta tender
- Finely chop onion to prevent excess moisture
- Add chili flakes for extra heat
- Rest kofta for a few minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes