The smell of warm spices and sizzling meat always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone lingers at the table. Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce brings that same feelingtender, spiced ground chicken shaped into soft koftas, then drizzled with cool, tangy yogurt spiked with fresh garlic.
I started making these back in 2019 after a student in one of my CIA classes brought in her grandmother’s spice blend, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The key is toasting your cumin and coriander before mixing them init deepens the flavor without any extra effort. After testing this about a dozen times with different yogurt brands, I promise the sauce holds up beautifully even on a busy weeknight.
Olivia Farnsworth
Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe Easy and Delicious
Enjoy this easy and flavorful Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce recipe that combines tender grilled chicken koftas with a creamy, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern inspired dish is perfect for a quick, gluten-free main course full of zest and freshness.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
Shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped koftas.
Warm up your grill and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the koftas on the grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly cooked.
While the koftas are grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by whisking together plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Plate the grilled koftas and serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, allow the kofta mixture to rest and marinate for 30 minutes before grilling. Pair this dish with warm pita bread or serve it over rice for a hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce hits that sweet spot between nourishing and deeply satisfying. The koftas stay moist and tender thanks to the chopped onion mixed right into the ground chicken, and the cool yogurt sauce balances every warm, spiced bite beautifully.
Quick weeknight win: From mixing bowl to dinner plate in under 30 minutes
Lean and wholesome: Ground chicken keeps things light without sacrificing flavor
Crowd-pleaser: Kids love the mild spice, adults appreciate the tangy garlic yogurt
Grill or broiler friendly: No special equipment neededjust heat and a little olive oil
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
You’ll recognize everything on this listno hunting through specialty aisles. The ground chicken becomes the canvas, while fresh parsley, cumin, and coriander bring warmth without overwhelming heat. I’ve tested this with different yogurt brands, and full-fat plain yogurt gives the creamiest sauce, though low-fat works fine if that’s what you have.
The real magic? Those minced garlic cloves stirred into cool yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice. That combination cuts through the richness of the kofta and makes every bite feel balanced and bright.
How to Make It
Here’s the simple rhythm: mix, shape, grill, stir. After combining your ground chicken with all the aromatics and spices, let your hands do the workwet your palms slightly so the mixture doesn’t stick, then roll each kofta into a small oval about the size of a lemon.
Brush your preheated grill with olive oil to prevent sticking, then turn the koftas every few minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. While they rest, whisk together your yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. That’s itdinner is ready.
Pro Tip: If your koftas feel a little loose, pop the shaped mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes before grillingit helps them hold together beautifully on the grill. And don’t skip finely chopping that onion; big chunks can make the koftas fall apart.
Want extra depth? Toast your ground cumin and coriander in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds before adding them to the chicken. It releases their natural oils and makes the whole dish smell like a spice market.
Smart Swaps and Tweaks
If You Don’t Have
Try This Instead
Ground chicken
Ground turkey or lean ground beef
Fresh parsley
Fresh cilantro (same amount)
Plain yogurt
Greek yogurt thinned with a splash of water
Grill
Broiler on high, 4 inches from heat
Serving and Storage Ideas
These koftas shine tucked into warm pita with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes, or served over fluffy rice with the garlic yogurt sauce drizzled generously on top. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three daysreheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist.
The yogurt sauce stays fresh for about four days, so you can make it ahead and have it ready for quick lunches. It also doubles as a fantastic dip for fresh veggies or a creamy topping for roasted vegetables.
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FAQs (Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce)
Can I make the kofta ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the kofta up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together. Just bring them to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
What type of yogurt works best for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is ideal because its thick consistency won’t break when mixed with garlic and lemon juice. Regular yogurt works too, but strain it for 30 minutes through cheesecloth first. Avoid non-fat varieties as they tend to curdle.
How do I prevent the kofta from falling apart?
Mix the meat gently and avoid overworking it, which makes the texture tough. Make sure your hands are slightly wet when shaping. Chilling the formed kofta for 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold together perfectly.
Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet for best results. This method is healthier and requires less hands-on attention.
How long does this recipe keep in the fridge?
The cooked kofta stays fresh for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Store the garlic yogurt sauce separately for best quality. Both reheat well in the microwave or a low oven.
You’ll love how this Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce comes together in under 30 minutestender, spiced koftas with cool, tangy yogurt that makes every bite feel balanced and bright. The spices warm your kitchen, the garlic yogurt cools things down, and that first bite? Pure comfort.
If you want extra richness, stir a drizzle of olive oil into the yogurt sauce right before serving. Leftover koftas make amazing lunch wraps tucked into warm pita with cucumbers and tomatoes. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: shape the koftas the night before and refrigerate them so dinner practically cooks itself the next evening.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me with your photos or tell me what you served alongside. Did you grow up with kofta at family dinners, or is this your first time trying them? Either way, save this recipe and share it with someone who needs a cozy, nourishing meal tonight.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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