Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is the kind of weeknight hero that feels special but comes together in under 40 minutes. The kofta stay tender and juicy thanks to a splash of olive oil and a touch of yogurt, while the garlic yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy finish. I love that you can serve it over rice, in pita, or with a simple salad – the possibilities are endless. Pair it with my Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Easy Dinner Recipe for a full family feast.
★★★★½ 4.5 (126 reviews)
Why You'll Love Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Quick, Flavor‑Packed Weeknight Dinner
Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – a quick, homemade dinner packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights, family‑friendly, ready in 40 minutes.
- Ready in less than 40 minutes – perfect for busy nights.
- Juicy, tender kofta thanks to olive oil and yogurt.
- Fresh garlic yogurt sauce adds cooling tang.
- Family‑friendly flavors that even picky eaters love.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Choose 93% lean for juiciness; turkey works as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Use gluten‑free if needed; you can also use crushed crackers.
- Greek yogurt: Full‑fat gives richer sauce; low‑fat works but may be thinner.
Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the kofta base: In a bowl combine ground chicken, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined; over‑mixing makes tough kofta.
Step 2 – Form & bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape mixture into 12 oval patties, about 1‑inch thick, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Bake 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3 – Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce: While kofta bake, whisk Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, mint (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until serving.
Expert Tips for Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Quick, Flavor‑Packed Weeknight Dinner
- Hand‑mix gently; stop as soon as ingredients are combined.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- For a charred finish, broil the kofta for the last 2 minutes.
Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Quick, Flavor‑Packed Weeknight Dinner
Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce – a quick, homemade dinner packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights, family‑friendly, ready in 40 minutes.
★★★★½ 4.5 (126 reviews)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional)
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sumac or za'atar sprinkle
- Warm pita or flatbread
Instructions
How to Make Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Step 1 – Mix the kofta base: In a bowl combine ground chicken, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined; over‑mixing makes tough kofta.
- Step 2 – Form & bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape mixture into 12 oval patties, about 1‑inch thick, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Bake 18–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3 – Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce: While kofta bake, whisk Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, mint (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4 – Serve: Drizzle sauce over hot kofta, sprinkle optional toppings, and enjoy with rice, quinoa, or wrapped in pita.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Juicy Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Form the kofta, freeze them raw, and bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
What’s the best substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey works well; for a richer flavor use ground lamb or beef, but adjust seasoning.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate kofta and sauce in separate containers; reheat gently.
Why did my kofta turn out dry?
Over‑mixing or over‑baking can dry them out. Keep mixing minimal and use a thermometer to stop at 165°F.