Dinner

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams ground chicken; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Byrami Hayes February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and tender Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. These spiced ground chicken patties pair beautifully with a refreshing, tangy yogurt sauce, making each bite a delight.

The dish shows five browned grilled meat skewers lined up on a white plate. Each skewer has an oval-shaped, slightly charred golden-brown meat piece with a textured surface from grilling. On top of each skewer is a dollop of white creamy sauce with green herb bits mixed in. The plate is also covered with more of the same sauce, creating a thin layer under the skewers, sprinkled with olive oil droplets and fresh green parsley leaves scattered around. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams ground chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of salt (for the sauce)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a golf ball shaped into an oval.
Step 3: Preheat your grill and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the koftas for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and have a nice char on all sides.
Step 5: While the koftas cook, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Step 6: Serve the grilled koftas hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the kofta mixture.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the koftas in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through.
Fresh mint can be added to the yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.
Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover koftas and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat koftas gently in a skillet or oven to preserve their texture. The yogurt sauce is best served chilled and should not be heated.