Dinner

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 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 brushing the grill); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests. These spiced ground chicken patties pair beautifully with a refreshing, tangy yogurt sauce that adds a creamy contrast to the smoky koftas.

This image shows five grilled meat skewers, each with a golden brown, slightly charred exterior, arranged in a white bowl. Each skewer has a dollop of white yogurt sauce with green herbs drizzled over the top, and extra sauce sitting at the bottom, speckled with oil droplets and fresh green herb leaves. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, giving the scene a clean, fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and herbs.
Step 2: Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas, about the size of a small egg.
Step 3: Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and nicely browned on all sides.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
Step 6: Serve the grilled koftas hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add finely chopped mint or cilantro to the kofta mixture.
Serve with warm pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
You can cook the koftas in a skillet if a grill is not available—just use a bit of oil and cook on medium heat until done.

Storage

Store leftover koftas and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the koftas gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist. The yogurt sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be overheated.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of many small, cylindrical grilled meat kebabs arranged side by side in a black tray. Each kebab has a charred, brown surface with visible grill marks, and bits of green herbs, red and yellow peppers mixed inside the meat. Some fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top and around the kebabs. In the background, there are blurred red and white vegetables and leafy green herbs. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, and the focus is mainly on the kebabs in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work similarly in texture and flavor for the koftas.

How can I make the yogurt sauce thicker?

Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker, creamier sauce that clings better to the koftas.