There’s something undeniably nostalgic about cooking from scratch, especially dishes that transport us to some flavor-filled corner of the world. Each bite tells a story, and as I stand in my kitchen inhaling the aromas of spices and grilled chicken, I can’t help but remember a trip to the Mediterranean. Surrounded by friendly faces and tantalizing smells, I discovered Chicken Kofta—small, aromatic patties bursting with flavor and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. Today, I’m excited to recreate this beloved dish, and I hope it brings a smile to your table as it does to mine.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 30 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fats: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This Chicken Kofta dish isn’t just about the taste; it’s an experience. The flavors of ground cumin and coriander mingle seamlessly with the tender chicken, creating a delightful herbaceous burst in every bite. Paired with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce, the dish transforms into a comforting delight that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious—perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings.
The Complete Cooking Journey
The beauty of cooking lies in the journey from gathering ingredients to presenting a finished dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something magnificent. Let’s dive into the steps that will transform ordinary ground chicken into flavorful koftas that sing with vibrant Mediterranean influences.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Method:
Step 1: Preparation of Kofta Mixture
In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is fragrant as the spices come together, setting the stage for deliciousness.
Step 2: Shaping the Koftas
Shape the mixture into small oval patties or mold them onto skewers. The process is therapeutic—there’s something satisfying about crafting them with your hands.
Step 3: Cooking the Koftas
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the koftas for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through and beautifully browned. Enjoy the sizzling sound and the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Making the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
For the garlic yogurt sauce, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. The creaminess of the yogurt and the zest of the lemon perfectly balance the richness of the koftas, creating a sauce that you’ll want to slather over everything.
Step 5: Serving Your Dish
Serve the koftas warm with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side. This dish begs to be accompanied by fresh pita, grilled veggies, or even a light salad. Enjoy the feast!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For an authentic Mediterranean experience, serve your Chicken Kofta with warm pita bread, a fresh cucumber salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of mint tea or a tart lemonade makes for a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture and flavor. You can also freeze the koftas for up to 2 months—just ensure they’re tightly sealed.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Meat Temperature: Always ensure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Skewering: If you choose to use skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Ingredient Freshness: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. Use vibrant parsley for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Feel free to experiment! Some variations include:
- Herbs: Swap parsley for cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Add a dash of cayenne if you enjoy heat, or substitute with Greek spices like oregano.
- Protein: Ground turkey or lamb works wonderfully as substitutes for chicken.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I make koftas ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and shape it a day ahead. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- What should I serve with kofta? Consider Mediterranean sides like tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, or a simple hummus dip.
- Can the garlic yogurt sauce be made in advance? Yes! It can be prepared a day ahead. Just give it a stir before serving.
- Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure everything else on your plate is gluten-free too.
- What can I use instead of yogurt if I’m dairy-free? Try a non-dairy yogurt alternative or a tahini-based sauce for a similar creamy texture.
Wrapping Up
Cooking should be a joyful celebration, and this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is an embodiment of that spirit. It invites everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and savor each flavorful bite. So grab your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure. Let the flavors inspire you, and enjoy every moment of creating and sharing this comforting dish! Happy cooking!
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring aromatic ground chicken patties served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small oval patties or mold them onto skewers.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the koftas for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through and beautifully browned.
- Combine the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Serve the koftas warm with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
