Dinner

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g round chicken; 1 pc onion grated; 2 cloves garlic minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 200 g Greek yourt; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh mint chopped; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

Jason Brooks February 10, 2026

Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Juicy spiced chicken skewers bathed in zesty garlic yogurt for a Middle Eastern twist to weeknight dinners.

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce brings a taste of Middle Eastern magic to your weeknight dinner routine. Juicy spiced chicken skewers bathed in a zesty garlic yogurt sauce effortlessly marry warm cumin and coriander with tangy lemon and bright mint. This beginner‐friendly recipe transforms simple ground chicken into an aromatic dance of textures and flavors, perfect for a cozy family meal or impressing friends at a casual gathering. Ready to roll some kofta and dive into creamy, flavorful bliss?

Key Ingredients

To make these irresistible Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, you’ll gather simple pantry staples and fresh herbs that pack bold flavor into every bite.

500 g ground chicken: Lean protein base that soaks up warm spices and stays juicy when cooked.

1 pc onion gr ated: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and binds the mixture.
2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses pungent garlic aroma and gentle bite throughout the kofta.

2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Brings bright herbal notes and freshness.
2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped: Contributes citrusy, green undertones and depth.
1 tsp ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth and classic Middle Eastern flavor.
1 tsp ground coriander: Lends a subtle lemony, floral nuance.

1 tsp paprika: Delivers mild sweetness and vibrant color.
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of sweet spice for complexity.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.

2 tbsp breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and ensures kofta hold their shape.
1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps kofta moist while they sear to a golden crust.
200 g Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the garlic sauce.

2 cloves garlic minced: Powers the sauce with fresh, bold garlic flavor.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the yogurt with zesty acidity.
1 tbsp fresh mint chopped: Introduces cooling, vibrant herbal notes.

1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sauce’s tang and richness.
1/8 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to the creamy dip.
1 tbsp olive oil: Smooths the sauce and carries flavors beautifully.

How To Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Let’s walk through the process step by step—from spicing the meat to whisking the tangy yogurt sauce—in under 30 minutes. These instructions guide you through simple techniques so your kofta come out perfectly uniform and richly flavored every time.

1. In a large bowl combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper and breadcrumbs. This step ensures all spices and herbs are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

2. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon, pressing and folding until you feel a cohesive, tacky texture that’s easy to shape.

3. Shape the mixture into small logs or patties and thread onto skewers if using. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, and aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and cook kofta for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. A golden crust means maximum flavor—don’t rush the sear!

5. Meanwhile whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped mint, salt, pepper and olive oil in a separate bowl until smooth. Tasting as you go helps you hit the perfect tang-to-creamy ratio.

6. Transfer kofta to a serving platter and drizzle with or serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Arrange logs neatly and let guests spoon on as much sauce as they like.

7. Garnish with extra parsley or mint and serve immediately. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens both taste and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile kofta pair beautifully with many sides—whether you crave something light or indulgent, there’s an option to elevate your meal.

Warm flatbreads: Serve with soft pita or lavash brushed with olive oil and heated until slightly crisp for scooping up each kofta.
Tender rice pilaf: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice cooked with a pinch of turmeric or saffron makes a fragrant bed that soaks up extra sauce.
Refreshing cucumber salad: Combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, a splash of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and chopped mint for a cool crunch.

Marinated olives and pickles: A mix of briny olives, pickled onions or mild pickles adds tang and contrast to the savory, creamy flavors.

Tips For Perfect Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Making these kofta is straightforward, but a few insider tweaks will take your dish from yummy to unforgettable. Keep these friendly pointers in mind as you cook:

You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lamb for different flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the kofta mix for extra heat.
If the mixture feels too wet to shape add a little more breadcrumbs.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How To Store It

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, proper storage keeps flavors fresh and textures just right for round-two enjoyment.

Place cooled kofta logs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days to preserve juiciness.
Keep the garlic yogurt sauce in a separate sealed jar so it stays smooth and bright.

Allow both kofta and sauce to cool completely before sealing containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious cooks often have the same questions—here are quick answers to help you master this dish!

How long does it take to prepare and cook the chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce?

It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the kofta mixture—this includes grating onion, mincing garlic, chopping herbs, measuring spices, and shaping the logs or patties. Cooking time is an additional 8–10 minutes in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium heat, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, whisking together the yogurt sauce takes another 5 minutes, so you can have the entire meal ready in around 25–30 minutes.

Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats or make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lamb without altering the cooking method or flavor balance. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or omit them altogether; the mixture may be slightly looser, so chill it for 10–15 minutes before shaping to help it hold together on the skewers.

What is the best technique for shaping the kofta and ensuring they cook evenly?

Use lightly moistened hands to shape the mixture into uniform logs or patties about 1 inch in diameter. If threading onto skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes first to prevent burning. Press the meat gently around the skewer, leaving a small gap at each end. Cook on medium heat without crowding the pan so each side browns evenly—turn every 2–3 minutes for consistent color and doneness.

How can I tell when the kofta are fully cooked without slicing one open?

Fully cooked chicken kofta should reach an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F) when tested with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center. Externally, they will be golden-brown all over, firm to the touch, and juices should run clear if pressed gently with a spatula.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers to maintain flavor and texture?

Store cooled kofta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, arrange the kofta in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 180 °C (350 °F) oven for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. Warm the sauce gently in a small bowl at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds, stirring once, to preserve its creamy texture.

How can I adjust the heat level in the kofta mixture or the yogurt sauce?

For a milder kofta, reduce or omit the paprika and skip the optional cayenne. To amp up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes directly to the meat mixture. You can also stir a small amount of hot sauce or finely chopped chili into the yogurt sauce for extra kick. Taste and adjust gradually to suit your preference.

Can I prepare the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time, and will it stay fresh?

Yes, you can make the garlic yogurt sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the flavors will meld and intensify. Before serving, give it a good stir and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or mint if needed, as flavors can mellow over time.

What Makes This Special

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce stands out because it’s a flavor-packed, fuss-free mash-up of juicy spiced chicken and tangy, creamy yogurt—proof that simple ingredients can create a Middle Eastern feast in under 30 minutes. The warm spices clinging to tender meat contrast beautifully with the refreshing garlic-mint sauce, making every bite sing. Feel free to print this article, save it for later, and share your own twists or feedback below—your kitchen adventures are part of what makes recipes like this so fun!

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