This Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is mixed with spices and baked to perfection, then smothered in a velvety garlic yogurt sauce. Yum!
You know it’s good when you want to lick the plate clean! I love serving these koftas with some warm pita and fresh veggies. It’s like a delicious party on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the kofta. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. Or for a vegetarian twist, try using chickpeas or lentils instead!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro add a nice flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, just substitute it with more parsley or fresh mint for a different touch!
Spices: Cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika bring warmth to the dish. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine. Just keep in mind you might miss a bit of that smoky flavor.
Greek Yogurt: For the sauce, plain yogurt adds creaminess. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt.
Breadcrumbs: These are optional for binding. If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or ground oats instead!
What’s the Best Way to Shape Perfect Koftas?
Shaping koftas can be tricky to get just right! Here’s how to do it:
- First, wet your hands with water. This helps prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Take about a golf ball-sized amount of the mixture and roll it in your hands, then gently shape it into an oblong form.
- Remember to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly in the oven.
Tip: If you find the mixture too crumbly, a bit more chicken or a touch of yogurt can help bind it better.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kofta:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have flavorful chicken koftas ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Tray:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Also, line a baking tray with parchment paper—this will make cleaning up a breeze!
2. Mixing the Kofta Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and egg. If you choose to use breadcrumbs, add those in as well. Mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined.
3. Shaping the Koftas:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small oblong meatballs, about 2 inches long. Place them on the prepared baking tray. Keep them spaced out so they can cook evenly!
4. Baking the Koftas:
Pop your tray in the oven and bake the koftas for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
5. Making the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
While the koftas are baking, whip up the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and creamy.
6. Serving the Koftas:
Once the koftas are cooked, you can either gently toss them in the creamy garlic yogurt sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. The choice is yours!
7. Garnishing and Enjoying:
For an extra touch, garnish with some fresh dill or parsley. Serve your delicious koftas warm, alongside pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Bon Appétit! 🎉
FAQ about Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Beef Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will give you a leaner kofta. If you prefer beef, just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Koftas?
Leftover koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, just skip the breadcrumbs or substitute them with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. This will still help bind the mixture together!
What Can I Serve with Chicken Kofta?
These koftas are fantastic with warm pita, rice, or couscous. You can also pair them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even some tzatziki for an extra refreshing touch!
