Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something packed with flavor but still light and fresh, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. I remember the first time I made this – the juicy, spiced chicken paired with that cool, garlicky yogurt sauce blew me away. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss, and trust me, your family will go crazy for it. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it on your first try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully to create a juicy, flavorful kofta with a cooling yogurt sauce that keeps things fresh. I always recommend using the freshest herbs and good quality yogurt to get the best results.

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it takes on the spices wonderfully and cooks quickly on the grill.
• Onion: Finely chopped for moisture and sweetness that balances the spices.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is essential here for that punch in both the kofta and the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a lovely herbaceous note.
• Ground cumin: Warm and aromatic, cumin is a classic kofta spice.
• Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrus undertone that complements the cumin.
• Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors—you can’t skip these.
• Plain yogurt: Use a good-quality, full-fat yogurt for creaminess in the garlic sauce.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy kick in the sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking on the grill and adds a touch of richness.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe in all sorts of ways, and honestly, it’s super flexible. Feel free to make it your own depending on what flavors you love or what’s in your pantry.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few chopped green chilies if you like some heat—I did this once for a spicy night with friends, and everyone loved the kick.
• Herb swap: Try mint instead of parsley in the sauce for a refreshing twist that’s especially nice in warmer months.
• Meat alternative: For a change from chicken, lamb kofta works beautifully with the same seasoning and method.
• Yogurt sauce tweaks: Stir in some grated cucumber or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor layer.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Marinate Your Kofta

Start by combining the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands for this to ensure everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat. If you have a bit of time, let this mixture sit covered in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this really helps the flavors meld and results in juicier koftas.

Step 2: Shape the Koftas

Once your mixture is ready, form it into small oval-shaped patties, about the size of your palm. This shape is classic for kofta and helps them cook evenly. Don’t make them too thick or they might not cook through, but not too thin either, or they could get dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates generously with olive oil to prevent sticking. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan works great too. I discovered this trick when I lived in an apartment without access to outdoor grilling—the results were just as good!

Step 4: Grill Until Perfect

Grill your koftas for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally to get nice grill marks and cook evenly. Keep an eye on them because grilling times may vary—when they’re cooked through and nicely browned outside, they’re ready. A meat thermometer should read about 165°F (74°C) for safe chicken.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas are grilling, mix the plain yogurt with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of salt. You can stir in some minced garlic here if you want a stronger garlic flavor (I always do!). This sauce takes just minutes but adds a cool, tangy contrast that brings the whole dish together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the warm koftas alongside a bowl of the garlic yogurt sauce. I like to drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle extra parsley for freshness. This is also great with fluffy rice, grilled veggies, or wrapped in warm pita bread. My family goes crazy for this combo every time!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that pop of green and a drizzle of good olive oil on the yogurt sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, a few pomegranate seeds add a nice burst of tart sweetness and color that always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with warm pita bread to scoop up the koftas and sauce, or I often serve it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. For a cozy meal, fluffy basmati rice or a fragrant pilaf works fantastic too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these koftas family-style on a large platter garnished with herbs, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Another fun idea is to make mini kofta skewers for appetizers at parties—so easy to eat and always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your grilled chicken koftas and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. I’ve found this keeps the koftas juicy and the sauce fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze raw kofta patties before cooking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual. I’ve done this many times when I wanted a no-fuss weeknight meal.

Reheating

To reheat koftas, I recommend warming them gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil to keep them moist. Alternatively, a quick five-minute sauté in a non-stick pan does the trick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry them out. For the yogurt sauce, just give it a quick stir and serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe has truly become one of my go-to dishes for impressing friends and feeding my family lots of love through food. It’s easy, forgiving, and tastes incredible every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation too. So grab your grill, mix up that kofta, and get ready for some seriously tasty moments!

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