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Chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce on a white serving platter with fresh parsley and warm pita bread

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Juicy grilled ground chicken koftas seasoned with cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh parsley, served with a creamy lemon garlic yogurt dipping sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken 93% lean recommended
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for greasing the grill surface
  • 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat preferred for thicker sauce
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic minced, for the yogurt sauce
  • salt pinch, for the yogurt sauce

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  2. Wet your hands with cold water. Shape the mixture into small oval koftas about 3 inches long, pressing firmly so they hold their shape. You should get roughly 12 koftas.
  3. Optional but recommended: place the shaped koftas on a covered plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them hold together on the grill.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the surface well with olive oil. Make sure the grill is fully hot and oiled before adding the koftas.
  5. Grill the koftas for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  6. While the koftas grill, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
  7. Arrange the finished koftas on a serving platter and serve with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Warm pita bread or fluffy rice on the side makes this a complete meal.

Notes

Chilling the shaped koftas for 10 minutes before grilling helps them hold together. To bake instead: 400 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cooked koftas keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store yogurt sauce separately. Leftover koftas are great in wraps, rice bowls, or alongside a salad.