This Juicy Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce brings tender, spiced ground chicken together with a rich, tangy sauce that elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish pairs aromatic Middle Eastern-style kofta with a refreshing garlic-lemon yogurt sauce that cuts through richness with bright flavor. The kofta are juicy and well seasoned, with fragrant spices woven through every bite, and the cool sauce adds just the right contrast of creaminess and acidity. Serve them with warm flatbreads, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for a complete plate that feels both satisfying and balanced. Even beginner cooks will find this recipe approachable thanks to straightforward steps and easily sourced ingredients. The texture contrast — juicy meat on the outside with silky yogurt on top — makes it a crowd pleaser every time. Whether for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep, this chicken kofta recipe delivers bold flavor without fuss. Expect vibrant aromas and a dish that becomes a fast favorite at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tender, juicy chicken with warm spice notes
• Cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce enhances every bite
• Quick prep and cook time for busy evenings
• Crowd-pleasing meal perfect with sides or wraps
• Balanced flavor profile — bright, savory, and rich
• Easily adaptable to grilling, pan frying, or baking
Ingredients
• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional garnish: extra parsley or lemon zest
How to Make Juicy Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
• In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced onion, half of the minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly mixed.
• Wet your hands with a little water and shape the seasoned chicken into small oval or cylindrical kofta patties about 2–3 inches long.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
• Add the kofta to the pan in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd, and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• While kofta cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, the remaining minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
• Adjust the sauce seasoning to taste and chill briefly while kofta finish cooking.
• Remove kofta from heat and let them rest for a minute before transferring to a serving platter.
• Spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over the kofta or serve it on the side for dipping.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Main
Flavor Profile Breakdown
• Savory, aromatic spices with earthy cumin and coriander
• Juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a hint of smoky paprika
• Cool, creamy yogurt balanced with zesty lemon
• Fresh herb brightness from parsley
• Balanced texture — crisp edges and tender interior
Pro Tips for Best Results
• Use freshly minced garlic for stronger aroma and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the ground chicken — gentle blending keeps kofta tender.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Chill the yogurt sauce slightly so it stays refreshingly cool.
• Add lemon zest to the sauce for added brightness.
Variations & Substitutions
• Grill the kofta instead of pan-frying for smoky char flavor.
• Swap parsley with fresh mint or cilantro for herbal twist.
• Use plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt to suit dietary needs.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier profile.
• Serve with cucumber and tomato salad for extra freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overworking the meat mixture — can make kofta dense.
• Crowding the pan — leads to steaming, not browning.
• Skipping lemon juice — reduces sauce brightness.
• Using low-fat yogurt without adjusting seasoning — results in flat sauce.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with warm pita or flatbread and fresh veggies.
• Pair with fluffy basmati rice or couscous.
• Add pickled onions or sumac for extra zing.
• Complement with a crisp green salad or tabbouleh.
Storage & Reheating Tips
• Refrigerate leftover kofta in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Store yogurt sauce separately to maintain texture.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
• Avoid microwave reheating of yogurt sauce; it can separate.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Juicy Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced onion, half of the minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Wet your hands with a little water and shape the seasoned chicken into small oval or cylindrical kofta patties about 2–3 inches long.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the kofta to the pan in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd, and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- While kofta cook, whisk together Greek yogurt, the remaining minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
- Adjust the sauce seasoning to taste and chill briefly while kofta finish cooking.
- Remove kofta from heat and let them rest for a minute before transferring to a serving platter.
- Spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over the kofta or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fat: 16 g Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Final Thoughts
Juicy Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delicious fusion of savory spiced chicken and cool, tangy yogurt that satisfies without being heavy. Its bright flavors and simple technique make it ideal for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Serve it with sides that complement both its spice and creaminess, and enjoy a meal that’s bold, balanced, and truly memorable.
FAQs
What temperature should the chicken kofta reach when cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C) to ensure the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — this kofta recipe contains no gluten inherently, but check sides like bread for gluten content.
Is the garlic yogurt sauce dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free yogurt to make the sauce suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
Can I make kofta ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the mixture and shape the kofta in advance, then refrigerate before cooking.
What should I serve with kofta?
Flatbread, rice, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables all pair beautifully with these chicken kofta.
