Juicy Middle Eastern–Style Skewers
These chicken kofta with garlic yogurt sauce are a flavorful, easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Juicy minced chicken is mixed with warm spices, fresh herbs, and garlic, then shaped into tender kofta that cook quickly in a pan, oven, or grill. Paired with a cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce, the flavors balance beautifully—savory, bright, and slightly tangy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving at gatherings, this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps. Serve them with warm flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
📝 Ingredients List
Chicken Kofta
- 500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for extra tenderness)
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large skillet, grill pan, or baking tray
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1. Prepare the kofta mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape the kofta
With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into small logs or oval patties. You can also form them around skewers if grilling.
3. Cook the kofta
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Cook the kofta for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. 🔥
Tip: Avoid pressing them down so they stay juicy.
4. Make the garlic yogurt sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth and creamy.
5. Serve and enjoy
Serve the warm kofta with a generous drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce. Add flatbread, rice, or salad on the side. 🌿
💡 Pro Tips
- Make ahead: The kofta mixture can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezer-friendly: Shape the kofta and freeze them raw for up to 2 months.
- Extra juicy: Grate the onion instead of chopping to keep more moisture in the meat.
- Cooking options: These kofta can also be grilled or baked at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Kofta: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Herb-Packed Version: Mix in fresh mint and cilantro with the parsley.
- Mediterranean Bowl: Serve kofta over rice with cucumber, tomato, olives, and hummus.
- Low-Carb Option: Wrap the kofta in lettuce leaves instead of bread.
❓ FAQ
Can I bake chicken kofta instead of frying?
Yes! Bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
What can I serve with chicken kofta?
They pair well with pita bread, rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a cucumber salad.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works very well and has a similar cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.