Description
Enjoy a flavorful and juicy Crispy Grilled Chicken Kofta served with a creamy garlic yogurt bliss sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish features spiced ground chicken skewers grilled to perfection, offering a delightful smoky and tender bite. Perfect for summer grilling or an easy weeknight dinner, paired with warm pita and fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Kofta
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the kofta tender.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion onto a metal or soaked wooden skewer, forming elongated meatballs approximately 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Lightly brush each kofta with olive oil to promote crisping during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
- Grill the Koftas: Place the chicken koftas on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve a nice char on the exterior. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While grilling, mix the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy grilled chicken kofta paired generously with the garlic yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy with warm pita bread and a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of sumac or smoked chili powder to the kofta mix.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper.
- If an outdoor grill isn’t available, cook the koftas under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead of time to let the flavors meld.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a simple cucumber tomato salad for a complete meal.
