Succulent Chicken Kofta With Garlic Yogurt Sauce

One of my favorite food memories comes from a tucked-away Middle Eastern restaurant my husband and I discovered on our anniversary a few years ago. It wasn’t fancy—the tables were a bit wobbly, the music played just a little too loudly, but the food? Absolutely unforgettable.

The waiter insisted we try their chicken kofta, and when the plate arrived, it was love at first bite. Juicy, smoky, and spiced just right, it came with the creamiest garlic yogurt sauce that had the perfect balance of tang and freshness.

That meal set a new standard for me. I knew I had to bring a version of it into my own kitchen, especially since we don’t get date nights as often as we’d like with three kids in tow. Over time, I’ve tested and tweaked until I landed on this recipe—easy enough for a weeknight, but flavorful enough to feel special. These kofta are made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then grilled until golden and tender. Paired with a silky garlic yogurt sauce, it’s a dish that feels like restaurant quality but comes straight from your stovetop or grill pan.

This recipe has become one of my family’s favorites, and I love serving it when friends come over. It always sparks that same cozy, celebratory feeling I had in that little restaurant years ago.

Short Description

Tender chicken kofta seasoned with spices and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. A quick, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Key Ingredients

• 500 g ground chicken (about 1 pound)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs for flipping

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Kofta Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Kofta
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into elongated ovals, about 3 inches long. This recipe makes about 10–12 kofta.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Kofta
Grill the kofta for 5–7 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir in an extra clove of minced garlic if you love a strong garlic kick.

Step 6: Serve
Arrange the kofta on a platter and drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh parsley keeps the chicken moist and aromatic.

Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Health-Conscious: Made with lean chicken and a light yogurt sauce, it’s a wholesome alternative to heavier meats.

Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, wrapped in pita bread, or served alongside fresh salads and grains.

Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that works for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the meat: This can make the kofta dense. Mix just until combined.

Dry kofta: Ground chicken is lean, so don’t overcook. Use a thermometer to check doneness.

Kofta sticking to the grill: Always brush your grill with oil before placing the meat.

Too much liquid in the mixture: If your onion is watery, squeeze out excess juice before mixing.

Bland flavor: Don’t skip the fresh parsley and spices—they’re key to making the flavor pop.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with warm pita bread, hummus, or tabbouleh for a Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Pair with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables for a heartier dinner.

Offer fresh cucumber slices and tomato salad on the side for extra crunch.

As a fun twist, serve kofta as sliders with small buns and yogurt sauce as a spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.

The garlic yogurt sauce keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge. Stir well before serving.

For longer storage, freeze uncooked kofta on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the kofta instead of grilling?
Yes, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar lean texture.

3. What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can use cilantro or even dried parsley (use 1 tablespoon), though the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I keep the kofta from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, shape the kofta and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

Use slightly damp hands when shaping kofta to prevent sticking.

Chill the shaped kofta for 15 minutes before grilling for better hold.

For extra smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture.

Don’t overcrowd the grill—leave space for even cooking.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kofta: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.

Herb-Lovers Kofta: Swap parsley with cilantro and add fresh mint for a brighter flavor.

Cheese-Stuffed Kofta: Place a small cube of mozzarella or feta inside each kofta before grilling for a gooey surprise.

Mediterranean Bowl: Serve kofta over quinoa or rice with roasted veggies, olives, and yogurt sauce.

Wrap Style: Tuck kofta into flatbread with lettuce, cucumber, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Final Thoughts

This recipe brings a little restaurant magic into your home kitchen without any fuss. I love how the chicken kofta come together so quickly yet taste like you’ve spent hours layering flavors. The garlic yogurt sauce is a bright, tangy complement that balances the warm spices beautifully. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like an instant occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the kids or a casual gathering with friends.

Cooking at home should feel joyful and satisfying, and recipes like this remind me why I fell in love with food in the first place. They’re approachable, deeply flavorful, and versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. I hope you’ll give these kofta a try and make them part of your own food story.