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chicken-kofta-with-garlic-yogurt-sauce-recipe

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Juicy ground chicken seasoned with warm Middle Eastern spices, grilled until golden, and served with a quick creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and naturally gluten-free.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken 93% lean recommended
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for grilling
  • 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt for yogurt sauce

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Add ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until spices are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning before shaping.
  3. Wet your hands with cold water. Shape the mixture into elongated oval kofta about 3 to 4 inches long. Aim for 10 to 12 pieces.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes. Brush grates with olive oil.
  5. Grill kofta for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
  6. While kofta grill, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl for the garlic yogurt sauce.
  7. Remove kofta from grill and rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with garlic yogurt sauce and your choice of sides.

Notes

Do not marinate or mix for too long. Chill shaped kofta for 15 to 20 minutes before grilling if they feel soft. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep kofta and sauce separate.