Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Juicy, Spiced & Mediterranean-Inspired)

Introduction

What makes kofta so popular across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines?

It’s the perfect balance of spice, moisture, and texture—ground meat mixed with herbs and aromatics, shaped and cooked until juicy and flavorful.

This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a lighter, protein-rich version made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, it’s fresh, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Chicken Kofta:

500g ground chicken
1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 egg
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)

Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Optional: chopped dill or mint

Optional Add-ons:

Cucumber slices
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Pita bread or rice

Substitutions:

Chicken → turkey or lamb
Greek yogurt → dairy-free yogurt
Breadcrumbs → oats or almond flour
Fresh herbs → dried herbs (use less)

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 30–35 minutes

Faster than traditional grilled meat dishes while still delivering deep flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix kofta mixture

In a bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Tip: Mix gently to avoid tough kofta.

Step 2: Shape kofta

Form mixture into small logs or oval shapes.

Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook kofta

Heat a pan with a little oil and cook kofta for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

Step 4: Make garlic yogurt sauce

Mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until smooth.

Step 5: Rest kofta

Let kofta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

Step 6: Serve

Plate kofta with garlic yogurt sauce and your choice of sides.

Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

Calories: 350–450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 8–12g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1–2g

Insight: High-protein, low-carb meal ideal for balanced eating.

Healthier Alternatives

Use lean ground chicken breast
Cook in oven or air fryer instead of pan-frying
Skip breadcrumbs for lower carbs
Use low-fat yogurt
Add more herbs for flavor without calories

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice or quinoa
Wrap in pita bread
Add fresh salad or pickled vegetables
Drizzle extra yogurt sauce on top
Great for meal prep boxes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing meat (makes kofta dense)
Cooking on high heat (burns outside, raw inside)
Skipping onion (reduces juiciness)
Making kofta too large (uneven cooking)
Not resting after cooking

Storage Tips

Store in fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze uncooked or cooked kofta for up to 2 months
Store sauce separately
Reheat gently to avoid drying out
Use airtight containers