Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Are you looking for a tasty and simple dish that boasts wonderful flavors? Look no further than Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce! This dish features juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs that are easily grilled or pan-fried. The aromatic garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy touch and pairs perfectly with the kofta. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, it also delivers fantastic taste in every bite. Let’s dive into why you should make this delicious recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. The ground chicken is a leaner option compared to traditional beef or lamb koftas, making this dish a healthier alternative. The combination of fresh herbs and spices makes every bite bursting with flavor.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can serve koftas with rice, in pita bread, or on top of a fresh salad. Not to mention, the garlic yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the dish beautifully. It’s perfect for any night of the week or for entertaining guests. Plus, if you have any leftovers, they make a great lunch option too!
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Making Chicken Kofta is easy and straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for kofta)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
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Directions:
Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the chopped herbs, minced garlic (for the kofta), ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Shape the Kofta:
- Once your mixture is ready, shape it into oval patties or cylindrical shapes using your hands. You can also thread the koftas onto wooden skewers if you like. This step is optional but gives a nice presentation when grilling.
Cook the Kofta:
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. If you’re using a skillet, you may want to add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the koftas for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. They should be fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- While the koftas are cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, minced garlic (for the sauce), olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Serve:
- Serve the warm Chicken Koftas alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. You can pair them with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta
Chicken Kofta is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
- With Rice: Serve koftas over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzled with the garlic yogurt sauce for a filling meal.
- In Pita Pockets: Stuff the koftas in pita bread alongside fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. This makes for a great lunch or casual dinner option.
- On a Salad: Serve the koftas on top of a fresh salad for a lighter meal. You can add your favorite salad toppings, like feta cheese or olives.
- With Flatbread: Pair koftas with warm flatbreads for a delightful dipping experience with the yogurt sauce.
How to Store Chicken Kofta
If you happen to have leftovers, storing Chicken Kofta is simple:
- Refrigerate: Place leftover koftas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store them longer, you can freeze cooked koftas. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Tips to Make Chicken Kofta
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of the koftas. Make sure to chop them finely and mix well into the meat mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the kofta dense.
- Grill for Flavor: Grilling the koftas will give them a wonderful smoky flavor. If you can, opt for grilling instead of pan-frying.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to increase or decrease the spices based on your personal taste. A little extra cumin or coriander can add depth to the flavor.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Beef or Lamb Kofta: You can use ground beef or lamb instead of chicken. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.
- Add Heat: If you like a spicy kick, add some chili powder or chopped green chilies to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mix of mashed chickpeas or lentils, and add in chopped vegetables for a vegetarian kofta option.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate feta cheese into the mixture for a richer flavor. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture a few hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to shape them and cook them just before serving.
What can I serve with Chicken Kofta besides rice?
You can serve Chicken Kofta with various sides like couscous, roasted vegetables, or even grilled corn. It’s excellent with a side of hummus or a simple green salad.
Can I bake Chicken Kofta instead of grilling or frying?
Yes, you can bake the kofta. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are cooked through.
Enjoy making and serving Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce! This recipe truly brings a flavorful burst to your dining table and will surely impress your family and friends.
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Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Juicy chicken meatballs grilled or pan-fried, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for kofta)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with chopped herbs, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into oval patties or cylindrical shapes. Optionally, thread onto wooden skewers.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the koftas for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the koftas are cooking, mix together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the warm Chicken Koftas alongside the garlic yogurt sauce. Pair with rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Fresh herbs enhance the flavor. Adjust spices to personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken kofta, garlic yogurt sauce, healthy dinner