This recipe makes easy chicken koftas with a fresh garlic yogurt sauce you can cook fast.
This Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce is simple and tasty. If you like garlic sauces, you may also like the chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe for another easy garlic pairing.
Why This Recipe Works
The ground chicken stays moist with onion and parsley. Spices like cumin and coriander give warm flavor without heat. Grilling adds a light char and good texture. The cool yogurt sauce balances the spices and keeps every bite fresh.
Why you should try this recipe
You should try this recipe because it is quick, healthy, and family friendly. It uses common ingredients and cooks fast. If you like grilled chicken with a creamy sauce, try making it like the grilled chicken broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce for another easy meal idea.
How to make Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This section shows the full process from mixing the meat to serving with the sauce.
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
Equipments Needed
- Large bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing spoon or hands for mixing
- Small bowl for sauce
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Serve the grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
How to serve Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Serve the koftas hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side. Add a simple salad, rice, or flatbread. You can also wrap the koftas in flatbread with salad and sauce, similar to the cheesy chicken garlic wraps idea.
How to store Chicken Kofta Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce in a separate container for 3–4 days. Reheat the koftas gently in the oven or on a pan to keep them moist.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overwork the meat when mixing to keep koftas tender.
- Chill the formed koftas for 10 minutes before grilling to help them hold shape.
- Use a meat thermometer; internal temp should reach 74°C (165°F).
- If you do not have a grill, cook in a hot pan with a little oil.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or lamb instead of chicken.
- Add chopped mint or dill for more fresh flavor.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap lemon juice with a bit of white vinegar for tang.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the koftas instead of grilling?
A: Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–20 minutes, turning once.
Q: Can I make the kofta mix ahead?
A: Yes. Mix and form the koftas and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Q: Is the sauce suitable for people who avoid dairy?
A: The sauce uses plain yogurt. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt with similar texture.
Conclusion
For another take on chicken kofta with yogurt, see this detailed guide on Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce – Cooking with Carbs. For a kebab-style version with a garlicky yogurt sauce, check the Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Garlicky Yogurt Sauce – Babaganosh.
PrintChicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Easy chicken koftas paired with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
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
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small oval-shaped koftas.
- Preheat the grill and brush it with olive oil.
- Grill the koftas for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to prepare the garlic yogurt sauce.
- Serve the grilled koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat when mixing to keep koftas tender. Chill the formed koftas for 10 minutes before grilling to help them hold shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!
