Ingredients
For the Chicken Kofta
- 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
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons (additional) minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a uniform meat mixture.
- Shape the Kofta: With clean hands, shape the meat mixture into small, evenly sized oval or round meatballs, ensuring they are compact but not too dense for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the kofta. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kofta: Place the shaped chicken kofta on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until the meatballs are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the kofta is grilling, combine the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce with balanced flavors.
- Serve: Once the kofta is cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot alongside the garlic yogurt sauce either drizzled over or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or mint for different flavor profiles.
- If you don’t have a grill, the kofta can be cooked under the broiler or in a grill pan on the stove.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat mixture before shaping the kofta.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free