This Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken meatballs soaked in a rich yogurt sauce. It’s full of flavor and perfect for a cozy meal!
Who can resist the magic of garlic? 😄 I love serving these koftas with warm pita bread and a fresh salad. It’s easy to whip up, and your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main ingredient. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a richer flavor, you could also use ground lamb.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor. If you don’t have one, shallots or green onions can be good replacements. You can also use onion powder in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for the best flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is best!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro brightens the dish. You can substitute with dried herbs (1 tablespoon = 1 teaspoon dried), but fresh herbs have a stronger flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and tang. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or cashew cream, keeping in mind it will change the flavor.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Koftas?
Cooking koftas right can be tricky. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly but don’t overwork the mixture; this keeps them tender.
- Shape into uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside while being raw inside.
- Cook until golden on both sides (about 5-6 minutes per side) and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
By following these tips, you’ll have juicy koftas every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Kofta:
- 500g (1 lb) ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For The Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, bringing your total time to about 40-45 minutes. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that comes together neatly, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley or cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything together until well combined.
2. Shape the Koftas:
Take a small amount of the chicken mixture and roll it into a ball shape, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into koftas.
3. Cook the Koftas:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken koftas. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this adds a lovely flavor to the sauce.
5. Combine Ingredients for Sauce:
Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Gently warm the sauce, taking care not to boil it, as boiling can curdle the yogurt.
6. Combine Koftas and Sauce:
Return the cooked koftas to the skillet with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Carefully spoon the sauce over the koftas and allow them to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so they can soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your koftas with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro before serving. These creamy garlic yogurt chicken koftas are perfect with rice, warm pita bread, or a vibrant salad. Enjoy your delightful meal!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Yogurt Chicken Kofta
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner option. The flavors will remain similar, and it will still work well in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Koftas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, and consider adding a splash of extra yogurt sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Koftas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped but uncooked koftas. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
