Discover the rich flavors of Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce, a mouthwatering dish that blends tender spiced chicken meatballs with a luscious, tangy yogurt sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors right into your kitchen, perfect for any dinner occasion when you crave something comforting yet fresh. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce offers a delightful balance of savory, aromatic, and creamy elements that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: Combining basic ingredients to create a dish bursting with vibrant tastes and aromas.
- Healthy and protein-packed: Lean chicken serves as a perfect source of nutrition for a balanced meal.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily tweak seasonings and accompaniment to fit your preferences or pantry staples.
- Quick to prepare: From mixing ingredients to serving, it comes together in under 45 minutes.
- Perfectly paired sauce: Creamy yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast that complements the spiced kofta beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce lies in simple, fresh ingredients that work together to build depth of flavor and tender texture. Each item is chosen to enhance taste and balance.
- Ground chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for juicy and tender kofta meatballs.
- Onion and garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and savory depth to the mixture.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro): Bring a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the dish.
- Warm spices (cumin, coriander, paprika): Infuse the kofta with traditional Middle Eastern flavors.
- Plain yogurt: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the sauce that perfectly balances the spices.
- Lemon juice: Provides refreshing acidity in the yogurt sauce to elevate overall flavor.
- Olive oil: For cooking the kofta and adding richness to the sauce and dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning all components to taste.
Variations for Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing room to experiment based on available ingredients, dietary restrictions, or taste preferences. Here are some creative tweaks to inspire you.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute ground chicken with lentils or mashed chickpeas to make kofta without meat.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or finely chopped green chilies to the kofta mix for heat lovers.
- Dairy-free sauce: Replace yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy alternative.
- Grilled kofta: Instead of pan-frying, grill the meatballs for smoky flavor and charred texture.
- Herb variations: Swap parsley or cilantro with mint or dill to vary the freshness in the sauce and meatballs.
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Kofta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix until evenly blended.
Step 2: Shape the Kofta
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and form the mixture into small, elongated meatballs or oval shapes about 2 inches long. Place them on a plate or tray while you heat your cooking pan.
Step 3: Cook the Kofta
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kofta and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Remove cooked kofta to a warm plate.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Yogurt Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Optional: stir in some finely chopped herbs for extra brightness. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
Step 5: Serve Together
Arrange the cooked chicken kofta on a serving platter and generously drizzle or serve alongside the creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep kofta tender rather than dense.
- Chill before cooking: Refrigerate shaped kofta for 15 minutes to help them hold shape during cooking.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a more aromatic and robust flavor.
- Yogurt consistency: Use thick Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce that clings well to kofta.
- Test one first: Cook one kofta initially to adjust seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
- Rest after cooking: Let kofta sit a few minutes after cooking to reabsorb juices and improve texture.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or a dusting of smoked paprika enhance the beautiful presentation and add bursts of flavor that brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair chicken kofta with fluffy basmati rice, warm pita bread, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve kofta skewered with wooden sticks for a fun appetizer, or nestle them in soft flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt sauce and crunchy pickled vegetables for a handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooked kofta and yogurt sauce in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them separate for best texture.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked kofta meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat kofta gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness. Serve yogurt sauce chilled or at room temperature for fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and offers a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs nicely with the yogurt sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is naturally gluten-free, but always check spice blends to be sure they contain no hidden gluten.
How spicy is the dish?
The standard recipe is mildly spiced; you can easily add chili flakes or hot peppers to increase heat to your liking.
Can I make the yogurt sauce vegan?
Yes. Substitute the yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
What can I serve with Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with grains like rice or couscous, fresh salads, or even roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with incredible flavor, Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is an absolute winner. Its blend of juicy, spiced meatballs with the cool, tangy yogurt sauce is simply irresistible and sure to impress at your next dinner. Give it a try—you’ll love how this delightful recipe brings warmth and excitement to your table!
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Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Kofta with Creamy Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender spiced ground chicken meatballs paired with a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. This easy and quick recipe brings together aromatic herbs and warm spices for a comforting yet fresh meal perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Kofta Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Creamy Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain thick Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), finely chopped
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley and cilantro, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Shape the Kofta: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into small, elongated meatballs or oval shapes about 2 inches long. Place them on a plate or tray while preparing to cook.
- Cook the Kofta: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kofta meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in optional chopped herbs for added brightness. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve Together: Arrange cooked chicken kofta on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy yogurt sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley, sumac, or smoked paprika if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the kofta mixture to keep meatballs tender rather than dense.
- Chill shaped kofta in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Use freshly ground spices for a more aromatic and robust flavor.
- Choose thick Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce that clings well to the kofta.
- Cook one kofta first to test seasoning before cooking the entire batch.
- Let kofta rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and improve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-5 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg