Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something juicy, full of vibrant spices, and utterly delicious, then this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. I absolutely love how these tender chicken koftas soak up all the warm flavors and pair beautifully with that cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s a flavor combo that excites the palate every single time, and I can’t wait to share my tips and tricks with you so your first go turns out flawless!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe lies in the way simple, fresh ingredients come together. I always aim for a balance between aromatic spices and fresh herbs to make the koftas pop with flavor. Here’s what you’ll want on hand to nail this recipe:

• Ground chicken: Choose fresh and preferably lean for the best texture; too much fat can make the koftas fall apart.
• Onion: Finely chopped – this adds moisture and sweetness that balances the spices.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic delivers that signature punch that lifts the whole dish.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped finely, parsley brings a cooling, herbaceous note essential to traditional kofta.
• Ground cumin and coriander: These earthy spices create warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that I adore.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Use to taste, they enhance all the flavors beautifully.
• Plain yogurt: Opt for a thick, creamy variety for the garlic sauce—Greek yogurt works perfectly!
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness to the yogurt sauce and balances the spice.
• Olive oil: For brushing the grill and adding a fruity depth when cooking the koftas.

Variations

I love how this grilled chicken kofta recipe can be adapted in so many ways, so feel free to tweak according to your mood or what’s in your pantry. Over the years, I’ve found customizing spices or the sauce really amps up the fun.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a little heat, especially when serving to people who like bold flavors.
• Herb swap: If you’re out of parsley, fresh cilantro or mint works wonders and gives a different, fresh twist.
• Dairy-free sauce: Swap out the yogurt for a coconut yogurt or a cashew cream if you’re avoiding dairy — it’s surprisingly good!
• Make it a salad: Serve the koftas chopped over mixed greens with a drizzle of the garlic yogurt sauce instead of as skewers.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Flavors Together

Start by combining the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands to really make sure everything is evenly mixed, but a sturdy spoon works too. Here’s what I learned — don’t overwork the mixture or it’ll get tough. Just mix until the spices and aromatics are distributed evenly.

Step 2: Shape Your Koftas

The mixture should hold together well enough to shape into small oval koftas. I usually aim for sizes that fit nicely on a skewer or are easy to pick up by hand (about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick). I find wetting your hands with a little water helps prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers — a neat trick I discovered after some messy attempts!

Step 3: Get Your Grill Ready

Preheat your grill to medium-high and give the grates a good oiling with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives the koftas a nice sear. If you’re using a stovetop grill pan, you can do the same with a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil.

Step 4: Grill the Koftas

Place the koftas on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every few minutes to get even grilling on all sides. What I watch for is the internal temperature — ideally 165°F (74°C) — and a nice golden brown exterior. If you see them drying out, try reducing the heat slightly.

Step 5: Whip Up Your Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas are grilling, mix the plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. If you want, add a tiny bit more garlic or a sprinkle of fresh dill to punch up the sauce. The citrusy tang compliments the grilled chicken so well — trust me on this!

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Once cooked, I like serving these koftas with the garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Pair them with warm pita bread and a green salad, or over fluffy rice for a hearty meal.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these koftas, I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or mint on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I also add a few thinly sliced radishes or a dusting of smoked paprika on the yogurt sauce for an extra visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include warm pita bread to scoop up the koftas and sauce, or a fluffy bed of basmati rice with toasted pine nuts. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the koftas.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this grilled chicken kofta recipe as a mezze platter — arrange koftas alongside bowls of garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, olives, and fresh veggies for a communal, vibrant spread. Another favorite is serving the koftas on toasted flatbreads topped with the yogurt sauce and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a beautiful sweet-tart finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover grilled chicken koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors become even more melded after a day, making them a quick and tasty lunch option.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe works well too—just place raw koftas on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They keep great for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just grill or bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat koftas is in a hot pan or under the broiler for just a few minutes to revive the crispy outer texture without drying them out. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but it tends to soften the koftas too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that’s equally impressive for weekend dinner parties and totally doable for busy weeknights. I love how it feels a bit exotic without being complicated, and I know you’ll enjoy the juicy, spiced meat paired with the bright, creamy sauce just as much as my family does. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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