There’s something deeply comforting about spiced meatballs simmering in a skillet, filling the kitchen with cumin and garlic. Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce brings that warmth to the table tender, golden kofta bathed in a cool, tangy sauce that clings to every bite.
I first shaped these by hand one autumn evening in 1982, teaching my daughter Eleanor how to gently press the spices into the meat without overworking it. She wrinkled her nose at the raw garlic, then gasped when she tasted the finished sauce “It’s like velvet, Mama!” The trick is Greek yogurt at room temperature; cold splits, warm smooths. After decades of shaping thousands of kofta, I know: the lighter your touch, the more tender they stay.
PrintChicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe Easy and Delicious
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce offers a delicious combination of spiced tender chicken koftas and a creamy tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern inspired dish is perfect for a gluten free dinner. Enjoy its rich flavors grilled to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the ground chicken with onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small oval koftas.
- Heat the grill and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the koftas for 10 to 12 minutes, turning from time to time until fully cooked.
- Whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Plate the grilled koftas and serve alongside the sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the kofta mixture marinate for 30 minutes before grilling
- Serve with pita bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kofta with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the scent of cumin and garlic, making everyone wander in asking when dinner will be ready. Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is tender, golden, and deeply flavorful the sort of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
- Simple ingredients: Ground chicken, everyday spices, and a few fresh herbs create something truly special.
- Quick weeknight magic: From mixing bowl to table in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters reach for seconds when that cool, tangy sauce meets warm, spiced meat.
Key Ingredients That Make It Shine
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Ground chicken becomes the tender base, while cumin and coriander add warmth without overwhelming. Fresh parsley brightens every bite, and the minced garlic weaves through both the kofta and the sauce, tying everything together.
Plain yogurt is your secret weapon here it cools the spices and adds tang that makes each mouthful feel balanced. A squeeze of lemon juice lifts the sauce from good to unforgettable. Let your yogurt sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing; cold yogurt can split when stirred vigorously.
How to Shape and Grill the Kofta
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands overworking toughens the meat. Shape into small oval patties, about the size of a lemon.
Preheat your grill and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the koftas for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re golden and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crisp, the centers juicy.
While they grill, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. That’s your garlic yogurt sauce silky, tangy, and ready to drizzle.
Timing and Temperature Guide
| Step | Time | Temperature/Method |
|---|---|---|
| Prep ingredients | 10 minutes | Chop, mince, measure |
| Shape kofta | 5 minutes | Form into ovals |
| Preheat grill | 5 minutes | Medium-high heat |
| Grill kofta | 10-12 minutes | Turn occasionally |
| Mix sauce | 2 minutes | Room temp yogurt |
Swaps and Tweaks
If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works beautifully just heat it over medium-high and cook the koftas the same way. Ground turkey can replace the chicken if that’s what you have on hand; the spices adapt easily.
For a little heat, stir a pinch of cayenne into the meat mixture. If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried works in a pinch use about a tablespoon. The yogurt sauce is forgiving, too; Greek yogurt makes it extra thick and creamy.
Serving and Storage Tips
| How to Serve | Storage |
|---|---|
| Pile koftas on a platter, drizzle with sauce | Refrigerate cooked kofta in airtight container, 3-4 days |
| Tuck into warm pita bread with fresh greens | Store sauce separately, stir before serving |
| Serve over rice with a simple salad | Reheat gently in skillet with a splash of water |
| Add sliced cucumber and tomato for crunch | Freeze cooked kofta up to 2 months; thaw overnight |
Why This Works Every Time
The magic is in the balance warm spices meet cool yogurt, and everything stays moist because you’re not overhandling the meat. Grilling adds a slight char that deepens the flavor, but the inside stays tender.
After decades of shaping these by hand, I’ve learned that confidence matters more than perfection. Your koftas don’t need to look identical; they just need to taste like home. Let the sauce be generous, the spices bold, and the memories plentiful.
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FAQs ( Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce )
Can I make the koftas ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the koftas up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered. This actually helps them hold together better when cooking. You can also freeze shaped koftas for up to 3 months – just thaw completely before cooking.
What type of yogurt works best for the sauce?
Greek yogurt works perfectly because it’s thick and won’t curdle easily. Regular plain yogurt also works, but strain it for 30 minutes to remove excess whey. Avoid flavored or low-fat varieties as they can separate when heated.
How do I prevent the yogurt sauce from curdling?
Bring the yogurt to room temperature before adding it to the pan. Add it gradually while stirring constantly, and keep the heat on medium-low. If it does start to separate, whisk in a tablespoon of cold water immediately.
Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Use 85/15 ground turkey for the best texture and flavor. The cooking time remains the same, just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve this meal over basmati rice, with warm pita bread, or alongside roasted vegetables. A simple cucumber salad or tabbouleh makes an excellent fresh side dish. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with any grain or flatbread.
This Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce takes just 30 minutes from bowl to table, yet tastes like hours of love. Golden, spiced, tender and that cool sauce makes everything sing. You’ll watch plates empty fast, I promise you that.
If you want extra richness, stir a spoonful of tahini into the yogurt. Leftover kofta tucks beautifully into pita for tomorrow’s lunch, still tender when gently reheated. A sprinkle of sumac over the top adds brightness something my mother taught me on a summer afternoon long ago.
I’d love to know how this turned out in your kitchen. Did the garlic make everyone lean in closer? Share a photo, tell me your story these recipes grow richer when we pass them along. Save this one for the nights you need something nourishing, familiar, and full of warmth.
