Introduction
This Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is an easy and tasty dish. The koftas are small grilled meat skewers with a bright yogurt sauce. It is quick to make and good for a simple dinner or a small party. It also pairs well with other simple meals like ginger garlic chicken noodle soup.
Why make this recipe
- It cooks fast.
- It uses common ingredients.
- The yogurt sauce keeps the kofta fresh and light.
- It tastes great with bread, rice, or salad.
How to make Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Make the kofta mix, shape small ovals, grill them, and mix the yogurt sauce. Keep the steps simple and follow the directions to cook the meat through and serve warm with the sauce.
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
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Serve the grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
How to serve Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Serve the koftas hot with a spoonful of the garlic yogurt sauce. Add warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a simple pasta like garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a fuller meal.
How to store Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Cool the koftas to room temperature before storing.
- Keep koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store the yogurt sauce in a separate sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- To freeze, place cooked koftas in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Mix the meat well so the spices spread evenly.
- Make the koftas small and even so they cook at the same time.
- Test one kofta first to check salt and seasoning.
- Do not overcook the koftas to keep them juicy.
- Chill the yogurt sauce a little before serving for best flavor.
Variation
- Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Mix in chopped mint instead of parsley for a different herb note.
- Bake or pan-fry the koftas if you do not have a grill.
- Use lamb or beef instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the kofta without a grill?
A: Yes. Pan-fry in a little oil over medium heat or bake at 200°C (400°F) until done.
Q: Can I use store-bought yogurt sauce?
A: Yes. You can use store-bought yogurt and add lemon and a pinch of salt, or buy a ready sauce.
Q: How can I tell when koftas are cooked?
A: They should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for chicken. Cut one open to check there is no pink.
Q: Can I make the kofta mix ahead?
A: Yes. Make the mix and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.
Q: Is the recipe gluten free?
A: Yes, the ingredients here are gluten free. Check any store-bought sauces or spices to be sure.
Conclusion
For an easy home-style take on kofta, see a similar recipe and tips at Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce – Cooking with Carbs. For another version with a garlicky yogurt sauce, try the ideas in this guide: Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Garlicky Yogurt Sauce – Babaganosh.
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Kofta Ingredients
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, 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 grilling
Yogurt Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Yogurt Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
Serving
- Serve the grilled koftas hot with a spoonful of the garlic yogurt sauce on the side along with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad.