This Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken meatballs are mixed with garlic and spices, then simmered in a rich yogurt sauce. Yum!
These koftas are super easy to make and perfect for dipping! I love serving them with warm pita bread. It’s a great way to impress friends or family, even if they don’t know how simple it is! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is perfect for koftas as it stays moist. You can swap it with ground turkey or lean beef if you prefer, but chicken gives a lighter taste.
Onion: A small onion helps build flavor. If you’re short on onions, shallots or green onions will work well too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will do, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is key for the sauce, giving it creaminess and tang. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a cashew cream substitute.
Herbs: I love using fresh parsley or cilantro for color and freshness. If you don’t have these, dried herbs like oregano or dill can add some flavor too.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Koftas?
Cooking koftas can seem tricky, but here’s how to do it right! The key is ensuring they stay juicy while browning nicely. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the koftas. This helps achieve a nice browning effect.
- Cook in batches instead of overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use a gentle hand when flipping koftas to keep them intact. A spatula is handy here!
- Check for doneness by cutting one open. It should be no longer pink inside.
Happy cooking! Enjoy those delicious koftas with your favorite sides!
Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kofta:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
For the Creamy Yogurt Garlic Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a delicious, creamy meal ready in about 40-45 minutes. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley or cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs if you’re using them. Combine everything well until it’s evenly mixed.
2. Shape the Koftas:
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs or koftas, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray and set aside.
3. Cook the Koftas:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the koftas in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown them on all sides and cook through for about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the koftas from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or butter if necessary, and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Make sure not to let it burn!
5. Combine with Yogurt:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the Greek yogurt into the pan. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and gently heat it through without boiling.
6. Finish the Dish:
Add lemon juice to the sauce, then carefully return the cooked koftas to the skillet. Coat them gently with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
7. Simmer Together:
Let the koftas and sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm alongside rice, pita bread, or a crisp salad. Enjoy your creamy garlic yogurt chicken kofta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken. It will provide a slightly different flavor but will work well in this recipe just like ground chicken!
How Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or omit them altogether if you don’t need any binding. The koftas should hold together well without them too!
Can I Make the Koftas in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the koftas and shape them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra yogurt sauce to keep them moist.
