Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 76 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold spices, tender meat, and a creamy, tangy sauce, then you absolutely must try this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. These juicy, flavorful chicken koftas are perfectly grilled and paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce that adds a zesty, cooling touch. It’s a delightful meal that feels both comforting and exotic, making it a fast favorite to whip up for weeknights or impress at gatherings. Every bite celebrates vibrant Middle Eastern flavors while keeping things simple and approachable in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver mixing bowl filled with a mix of light brown crumbled food, bright green chopped herbs, and small white onion pieces. Two woman's hands are visible: one hand holding the bowl and the other hand sprinkling more of the mix inside. There is a wooden spoon partially buried in the mix inside the bowl. The bowl is on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Some garlic and an onion are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this recipe—the balance of spices, herbs, and dairy is what really brings the dish alive. Each component adds a unique layer, from the aromatic cumin and coriander in the koftas to the bright lemon in the garlic yogurt sauce, working together to create that crave-worthy harmony of flavors and textures.

500 grams ground chicken: The lean, tender base for your koftas, perfect for absorbing all the spices.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and moisture, keeping the koftas juicy.
3 garlic cloves, minced: A punch of savory depth in both the koftas and the sauce.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lightens the meat mixture.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Warm and earthy, giving the koftas that signature Middle Eastern flair.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a subtle citrus note that complements the cumin beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meat and the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the spices.
1 cup plain yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic yogurt sauce, tangy and cooling.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with lively acidity.
Pinch of salt: To season the yogurt sauce just right.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the grill grates slick and helps the koftas develop a beautiful char.

How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything well to ensure all the spices and herbs are evenly distributed, which is essential for that consistent, flavorful bite in every kofta.

Step 2: Shape the Koftas

Once your mixture is well combined, form it into small oval-shaped patties—these traditional kofta shapes make them easier to grill evenly and hold their juicy texture throughout cooking. Aim for pieces roughly the size of your palm for the perfect portion.

Step 3: Preheat and Oil Your Grill

Get your grill nice and hot, then brush it with the olive oil to prevent sticking. A well-oiled grill also ensures your koftas will develop those appetizing grill marks and char without falling apart.

Step 4: Grill the Koftas

Place the koftas on the grill and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking and to achieve a delicious golden crust on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas grill, mix the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This garlic yogurt sauce is simple but essential—its creamy tang perfectly balances the spiced chicken koftas and adds a cooling bite.

How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

The image shows a variety of cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a surface with a white marbled texture. There is a white bowl filled with cooked ground meat with bits of seasoning. Above it, a white bowl holds fresh green parsley leaves, and a bright yellow whole lemon is placed nearby. To the right side are a whole garlic bulb, two garlic cloves, and a small onion. Below, there is a white bowl of thick white yogurt, while a larger bunch of fresh green parsley lies beside a small wooden bowl containing dry mixed spices. Two small onions are visible, one near a white bowl of golden olive oil with herb pieces floating inside, and another near a glass bowl filled with clear golden oil. A small white bowl filled with coarse white salt completes the spread. The whole setup is clean and organized, emphasizing the fresh colors and textures of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the koftas for a burst of color and brightness. You might also add a few thin slices of red onion or some toasted pine nuts for a little crunch.

Side Dishes

These koftas pair wonderfully with warm pita bread or flatbreads, perfect for scooping up the garlic yogurt sauce. A side of fluffy basmati rice or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad will round out the meal beautifully, adding texture and a cooling counterpoint to the spiced meat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your koftas as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, and roasted vegetables, letting everyone build their perfect bite. Alternatively, stack them in wraps with crisp lettuce and sliced veggies, drizzled generously with the garlic yogurt sauce for a satisfying handheld feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the koftas and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the koftas from soaking in the sauce and losing their texture. They should stay fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked koftas by placing them on a baking sheet until firm and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent them from sticking together. They will keep well for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the koftas gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven until heated through; avoid microwaving, which can dry them out. Serve with fresh garlic yogurt sauce or make a new batch to keep the flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean substitute that works well in this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.

How spicy is the dish?

This recipe is mild with aromatic spices rather than heat. If you prefer some kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the kofta mix.

Is the garlic yogurt sauce dairy-free?

The traditional garlic yogurt sauce uses plain yogurt, which contains dairy. For a dairy-free option, you can try coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt, though the taste and texture will differ slightly.

Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling?

Yes, baking is a great alternative. Place the koftas on a lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through to brown evenly.

What’s the best way to serve these for a dinner party?

Arrange the koftas on a large platter with bowls of garlic yogurt sauce and various dips, flatbreads, and salads to create an interactive and festive dining experience your guests will love.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its vibrant flavors and silky sauce combo. Whether for a cozy dinner or a lively get-together, this dish brings simple ingredients to life with warmth and excitement. Give it a go, and let these koftas become one of your new favorite weeknight treats!

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need