Delicious Chicken Kofta 35 Min Recipe

Hey there! I’m Anna, and if there’s one thing I love more than a good meal, it’s making delicious chicken dishes that are actually easy to whip up. You know, the kind that make your everyday cooking feel a little more special and a lot more joyful. My kitchen adventures have always been about finding those gems – recipes that taste incredible without tying you up for hours. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this amazing Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. It’s got this wonderful Mediterranean vibe that just transports you, and honestly, it’s become a go-to in my house. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and just feels like a little hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Trust me, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• Super Quick: Ready in about 35 minutes total!
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of this in your pantry already.
• Looks Fancy, Tastes Amazing: Perfect for when you want to impress without the stress.
• Flavor Explosion: The spices in the kofta and the tangy sauce are just divine.
• Healthy Choice: Lean chicken and fresh ingredients make it a guilt-free pleasure.
• Versatile: Great for weeknights, BBQs, or even a light lunch.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! To make these fantastic chicken kofta and that dreamy garlic yogurt sauce, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward. I like to have everything chopped and measured before I even start mixing, it just makes the whole process smoother, you know? Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Kofta Ingredients
Ground chicken	500 grams
Onion	1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic	3 cloves, minced (make sure it’s really fine!)
Fresh parsley	1/4 cup, finely chopped (fresh makes all the difference!)
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon
Ground coriander	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

Garlic Yogurt Sauce Ingredients
Plain yogurt	1 cup (full-fat is best for creaminess)
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed, of course!)
Olive oil	2 tablespoons (for grilling the kofta, plus a little for the sauce if you like)
Salt	A pinch, for the sauce

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these chicken kofta is honestly super fun and way easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Preparing the Chicken Kofta Mixture

First things first, grab a big bowl. We’re going to toss in all our kofta ingredients: the ground chicken, that finely chopped onion, the minced garlic (make sure it’s really fine!), and the fresh parsley. Now, for the flavor boost – add in the cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. I like to get my hands right in there to mix everything together. You really want to make sure all those spices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken. Don’t be shy, but also try not to overwork the meat; we want tender kofta, not tough ones! Just a good, thorough mix until everything is well combined.

Shaping the Chicken Kofta

This is the part where it starts to look like real food! To make shaping easier and prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, just wet them a little with some cold water. Grab a portion of the chicken mixture – about the size of a golf ball, maybe a bit bigger – and roll it between your palms. Then, gently shape it into an oval or log shape. They should look like little plump sausages. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Place the shaped kofta on a plate or a clean surface as you go.

Grilling the Chicken Kofta

Time to get that lovely smoky flavor! Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, give it a light brush with some olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place your kofta onto the hot grill. You’ll want to grill them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown char on the outside and, most importantly, that they’re cooked all the way through. A good rule of thumb, and a safety check, is to make sure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, just cut into one to be sure there’s no pink inside.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the kofta are grilling or even while they’re resting, whip up this super simple sauce. In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, that tangy lemon juice, and just a little pinch of salt. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and creamy. You can even add a tiny drizzle of olive oil if you like, but it’s not essential. Taste it and adjust the lemon or salt if you think it needs it. It’s meant to be cool and refreshing, the perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced kofta!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

You know, even with simple recipes, a few little tricks can make a big difference. These kofta are already pretty forgiving, but if you want them to be absolutely perfect every single time, here are a couple of things I always do. It’s all about getting that super tender texture and maximizing the flavor!

Achieving Tender Kofta

My biggest tip for tender kofta is to be gentle when you’re mixing the chicken. You don’t want to overwork it! Think of it like this: the more you knead chicken, the tougher it gets. So, just mix until everything is combined. Seriously, just a few minutes of mixing is all it needs. This way, you get that lovely, tender bite that makes these kofta so irresistible.

Flavor Enhancement Tips

Now, for a little flavor boost that I love: let that chicken mixture hang out in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before you shape it. It’s not strictly necessary, but I find it really helps the flavors meld together nicely. Plus, it makes the mixture a little firmer and easier to shape, which is always a win! And don’t forget to taste your spices before you mix them in – if you like things a bit spicier, feel free to add a pinch more cumin or a little red pepper flake!

Serving Your Delicious Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Now for the best part – serving up these beauties! Arrange the warm, grilled kofta on a platter. Then, spoon that cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce generously over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. They’re absolutely delicious with fluffy basmati rice, a fresh green salad, or some warm pita bread to scoop up all those amazing flavors. Dinner is served!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Got questions about making this tasty chicken kofta? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but sometimes you just want to be sure, right?

Can I bake the Chicken Kofta instead of grilling?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, baking works great. Just preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the shaped kofta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They won’t have that smoky char, but they’ll still be wonderfully flavorful!

How can I make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce smoother?

For an extra-smooth garlic yogurt sauce, my best tip is to use a whisk! Whisk the yogurt, lemon juice, and salt together really well until there are no lumps. If you want it *super* smooth, you could even give it a quick whirl in a small blender or food processor. Just be careful not to over-blend, or it can get a bit watery.

What can I serve with Chicken Kofta?

These chicken kofta are super versatile! They’re fantastic served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa. A simple cucumber and tomato salad is always a great fresh side. And, of course, warm pita bread or naan is perfect for scooping up that delicious garlic yogurt sauce. You could also serve them alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Understanding the Nutrition of Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Knowing what you’re eating is always a good thing, right? This recipe is pretty healthy, but it’s good to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown. These numbers are just estimates, of course, because everyone’s cooking is a little different, but they give you a good ballpark.

Estimated Nutritional Values Per Serving

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	6g
Unsaturated Fat	14g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Protein	35g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	800mg

Caring for Your Leftover Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Don’t you hate it when leftovers go to waste? Me too! Luckily, these chicken kofta store and reheat beautifully. Just follow these simple steps to keep them tasting almost as good as the first time around. And remember to keep that lovely garlic yogurt sauce separate until you’re ready to serve!

Storing and Reheating Kofta

Method	Details
Storage	Store leftover kofta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled down a bit before sealing them up.
Reheating Kofta	For best results, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until warm.
Reheating Sauce	The yogurt sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature. If it seems a bit thick after refrigerating, just stir in a tiny splash of milk or water to loosen it up.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out these ideas: juiciest lemony chicken meatballs, mediterranean lemon herb chicken skewers, and garlic mozzarella chicken. You can also find more inspiration on Pinterest.

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