Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce:5-Min Delish Dinner.

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is the dish I reach for when the clock is ticking but flavor can’t wait. As a chef who translates restaurant-level technique into approachable weeknight meals, I designed this recipe to deliver juicy kofta and a lush garlic yogurt sauce in under 30 minutes. The Middle Eastern-inspired spices, fresh herbs, and creamy sauce pair beautifully with rice, salad, or warm flatbread. You’ll learn to balance moisture with herbs, shape kofta for even browning, and quick-cinish a sauce that feels indulgent without fuss. Let’s dive in so you can serve something unforgettable tonight.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What makes this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce special

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce is my fastest flavor fix on busy weeknights. I love how the spices wake up the kitchen, yet the prep stays calm.

This dish marries juicy kofta, fresh herbs, and a silky sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s forgiving for beginners, yet special enough to feel like a treat.

Plus, I can pair it with rice, salad, or warm flatbread in minutes. The garlic yogurt sauce steals the show without stealing your time.

With pantry staples and quick food prep, you can finish dinner before homework starts. I share tips from my own hectic evenings so you feel supported.

Why Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce works for weeknights

Weeknights demand speed, but flavor still matters. This recipe uses pantry staples and sturdy herbs. Kofta cooks quickly in a skillet or on a grill. The garlic yogurt sauce can be whisked together in minutes. Healthy protein, vibrant herbs, and a silky finish make weeknights feel achievable.

Ingredients Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I keep Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce simple and bright. The star is juicy ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices. Fresh parsley and cilantro wake up the palate. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article and available for printing.

For the kofta, gather these ingredients with precision:

• 500 g ground chicken
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the garlic yogurt sauce, set this aside:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredients overview for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This combo blends lean chicken with bright herbs for juiciness. Spices add warmth without heaviness. The yogurt sauce brings a silky contrast that makes every bite feel indulgent and fresh.

Substitutions and tips for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Swap ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
• Ditch paprika if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Swap cilantro with dill or parsley if needed.

How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Step 1 – Mix the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce ingredients

First, I set out all kofta ingredients and grab a wide bowl. I like to work by hand to feel the texture. I combine ground chicken, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. I mix gently until just combined, not overworked. A quick drizzle of olive oil helps everything stay juicy. This is where the magic starts, flavor binding with care.

Step 2 – Shape the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce ingredients

Next, I shape the kofta into logs or small ovals. I aim for uniform width so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels loose, I chill it for 10 minutes. A light brush of olive oil on my hands helps the shapes form without sticking. I place them on a tray, ready for the pan or grill.

Step 3 – Cook the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce ingredients

Finally, I cook the kofta in a skillet or on lightly greased skewers over medium heat. I avoid crowding the pan to keep the surface hot and browning. I turn them once or twice, watching for a deep golden crust and juicy interior. If using the grill, I brush the grates lightly and keep the flame medium. They usually take about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness. This Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce stays juicy inside and crisp outside. I want them cooked through with a hint of caramelized edge. If you go a minute or two past, they stay dry, so I pull them off as soon as the center is opaque.

Step 4 – Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I whisk the garlic yogurt sauce while the kofta rest. In a small bowl, I combine one cup plain Greek yogurt, one grated garlic clove, one tablespoon lemon juice, one tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. I whisk until smooth and creamy. If I want extra zing, I add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of pepper. The sauce benefits from a minute to mingle flavors.

Step 5 – Plate Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Then I plate the kofta with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce. I drizzle some over the hot kofta and offer extra on the side. A quick shower of parsley brightens the plate. I pair it with rice, a crisp salad, or warm flatbread for dipping. Dinner feels a little fancy, but it’s totally doable in minutes.

Tips for Success

Quick kitchen tips for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Chill the kofta mixture for 10 minutes to keep shape.
• Shape evenly for uniform browning and juicy centers.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
• Mix the garlic yogurt sauce ahead so flavors mingle.
• Use full-fat yogurt for silkier sauce; dairy-free works too.
• Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice at the end.
• Grill briefly to get a smoky finish.

Equipment Needed

Tools for making Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I keep my equipment simple and affordable for busy nights.

• Nonstick skillet or grill pan — for quick browning.
• Mixing bowls — for blending kofta smoothly.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board — for mincing garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for precise amounts.
• Spatula and tongs — for turning and serving.

Variations

Variations keep Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce fresh when weeknights repeat. Here are practical twists I actually use.

Variations of Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• Herb swap: Use dill or mint for a brighter, Mediterranean twist.
• Meat mix: Add lamb or beef in a 50/50 blend for deeper flavor.
• Texture tweak: Add a small grated onion or a tablespoon breadcrumbs for extra moisture.
• Spice dial: Increase cumin and coriander for a bolder bite, or add a pinch cinnamon for warmth.
• Sauce variant: Stir in lemon zest or chopped cucumber for a fresher garlic yogurt sauce.
• Diet-friendly: Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan/dairy-free version with chickpea kofta base.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I love how Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce feels comforting yet bright after a long day.
It scales from solo dinners to family meals, keeping prep simple while flavors stay bold and memorable.
And the garlic yogurt sauce adds silky tang, elevating every bite without weighing down weeknights.

Benefits of this Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Speed is a win with Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce, giving restaurant flavor fast.
It scales from solo dinners to family meals, keeping prep simple while flavors stay bold and memorable.
Nourishment comes from lean chicken, herbs, yogurt, and lemon for bright, balanced meals.

Serving Suggestions

I keep this dish bright with quick sides.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

• Rice or quinoa for a comforting base.
• Fresh salad with tomatoes and mint.
• Warm flatbread or pita for dipping.
• A sparkling lemon-water or iced tea.
• Garnish with a light drizzle of yogurt sauce.

Serving ideas with Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Plate kofta on a warm bed of rice and drizzle the yogurt sauce in a neat line. I love a sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint and a bright lemon wedge. For kids, offer extra yogurt for dipping; it keeps the meal playful.

Make It Your Own: Quick Tweaks and Pairings

Flavor twists and pairings for Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Flavor twists are my passport to keep Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce exciting.
I reach for bright herbs like dill, mint, or thick chopped parsley to wake the palate.
Small changes, big smiles, especially when weeknights feel long.

I often prep the kofta mixture the night before, then chill it.
In the morning, I shape and keep it ready for a quick sizzle after work.
This makes a fast dinner feel planned and polished, not hurried.

Try serving kofta with different sides: couscous, quinoa, or a crisp cucumber tomato salad.
For variety, whisk in lemon zest or cucumber into the garlic yogurt sauce, or swap the sauce for a minty yogurt drizzle.
A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon finished at the table make it restaurant-worthy.

FAQs

Here are quick answers to common questions about Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. I share practical tips I use in my kitchen to save time and keep flavors bright.

FAQ: Can I bake Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce instead of pan-frying or grilling?

Yes. I bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway. The centers stay juicy and the edges gain a gentle crisp, which makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat.

FAQ: Is Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce gluten-free?

Yes. This dish is gluten-free as written, using ground chicken, herbs, spices, and yogurt. Just check spice blends for gluten-containing additives and you’re good to go.

FAQ: How should I store leftovers of Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the kofta and garlic yogurt sauce separate, then reheat gently to preserve moisture and tang.

FAQ: Can I freeze the kofta mixture before cooking?

Yes. Freeze formed kofta on a lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month; cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Final reflections on Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Making this dish lately reminds me how dinner can be both quick and comforting.
The kofta stays juicy because I respect the mixture’s moisture and avoid overworking it.
The garlic yogurt sauce turns simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-like moment at home.

Weeknights can feel chaotic, but this recipe is a tiny celebration of doable flavor.
I love how a single skillet becomes a stage for bright herbs and creamy sauce.
If you try it, you’ll hear the kitchen whisper, you’ve got this.

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