Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful dish that brings together juicy ground chicken spiced just right and a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This combination makes for a delightful meal that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests. The blend of spices creates depth while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a refreshing element, making every bite memorable.
Why We Love This Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This recipe combines flavors and textures that excite the palate. The juicy chicken kofta boasts a blend of spices that offers both aroma and flavor, creating a satisfying bite every time. The inclusion of fresh herbs not only enhances the taste but also adds a vibrant color to the dish. The garlic yogurt sauce serves as a perfect complement; its creaminess balances the spiciness of the kofta, creating a harmonious dish.
Additionally, this meal is versatile. You can use it as a filling main dish, serve it in wraps, or enjoy it alongside salads and grains. This flexibility makes it easy to incorporate into various diets or occasions. You’ll find that the preparation is straightforward and the cooking time is reasonable, making it an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients for Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or baking)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and provides better texture when shaping.
- Preheat your grill or oven. If using a grill, ensure it’s heated to medium-high. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once chilled, form the chicken mixture into elongated kofta shapes on skewers or as patties if not using skewers.
- Lightly brush the kofta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the kofta for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
- While the kofta cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve the kofta warm with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce.
How to Serve Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
To create a delightful serving experience, arrange the juicy chicken kofta on a large platter. You can drizzle a bit of the garlic yogurt sauce over the kofta or serve it on the side in a small bowl. This allows your guests to decide how much sauce they want to add.
Pair the kofta with some warm pita bread or flatbreads, allowing everyone to create their own wraps. Adding a fresh salad on the side, such as cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, amplifies the meal. You can also include roasted vegetables or a grain like rice or quinoa for a heartier offering.
Don’t forget to provide extra toppings such as diced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and even slices of avocado for guests to personalize their plates. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Expert Tips for Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
To ensure your juicy chicken kofta turns out perfect, focus on the texture of the meat mixture. If it’s too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a little more yogurt to provide moisture. Conversely, if it feels too wet, extra breadcrumbs can help bind the mixture.
When forming the kofta, make sure your hands are moistened with water to prevent sticking. This technique allows you to shape the meat without it clinging to your hands.
For grilling, soaking the skewers in water beforehand can prevent them from catching fire on the grill. If you choose to bake, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make for easier cleanup.
Timing is key; cooking the kofta until they are just done will maintain their juicy texture. To check for doneness, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the kofta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Store Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
If you have leftovers of the juicy chicken kofta or garlic yogurt sauce, store them properly to maintain freshness. Allow the kofta to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the kofta before cooking. Shape them and lay them on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, you can cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The garlic yogurt sauce should also be refrigerated and can last for about a week in the fridge.
Variations of Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Feel free to explore different flavor profiles with your chicken kofta. You can experiment by adding spices such as warm cinnamon or allspice for a slightly different taste. For a zesty kick, include grated lemon or lime zest into the chicken mixture.
Try mixing in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetable twist. This variation not only adds flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the kofta.
If you’re looking for a milder sauce, consider swapping garlic in your yogurt sauce for herbs like dill or mint, creating a different taste profile. You could also add some roasted red pepper puree for a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
For a different protein alternative, you can use ground turkey or beef as a substitute for chicken. Each protein will provide a unique taste and texture, allowing you to find your favorite version of this dish.
FAQ about Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
What makes the juicy chicken kofta so flavorful?
The blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika enhances the flavor, while the fresh herbs add brightness to the dish.
Can I make juicy chicken kofta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the formed kofta before cooking for a quick meal later.
Is there a substitute for yogurt in the garlic yogurt sauce?
If you prefer, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative, keeping the essence of the sauce while catering to dietary preferences.
How can I ensure my juicy chicken kofta stays moist?
Adding grated onion and ensuring not to overcook the kofta will help maintain moisture in the dish. Resting them post-cooking also aids in keeping them juicy.
Can I cook juicy chicken kofta in a pan?
Absolutely, you can pan-fry the kofta on medium heat, using a bit of oil to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice brown crust.
Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For extra heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or baking)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once chilled, form the chicken mixture into elongated kofta shapes on skewers or as patties if not using skewers.
- Lightly brush the kofta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the kofta for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the kofta cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Serving
- Serve the kofta warm with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!