Name: Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken 1 small onion, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs 1 large egg 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 clove garlic, grated 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0.25 teaspoon salt

Juicy, tender, and deeply spiced, Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt brings the magic of Middle Eastern comfort food right into your kitchen. These ground chicken meatballs are packed with fresh herbs, warm spices, and a touch of onion, then baked or pan-seared until golden. What sets this dish apart is the pairing: a generous drizzle of cool, garlicky yogurt sauce that adds creaminess and zing in every bite.

It’s a recipe that feels special enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. Served with warm flatbread or over rice, it makes a filling meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying. The combination of bold flavors and a refreshing sauce strikes that perfect balance we crave in homemade meals.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta

This dish is a celebration of contrasts—spiced and creamy, warm and cool, hearty yet light. It’s easy to prepare and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, making it ideal for everyday cooking. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable: adjust the spice level, swap herbs, or double the batch for leftovers. The garlic yogurt sauce alone might become your new favorite condiment.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Kofta?

Ground chicken thigh works best for this recipe because it has more fat and flavor than breast meat, which helps keep the koftas juicy. If you prefer leaner kofta, you can use ground breast, but be sure not to overcook them. You could also use a mix of both for a balance between moisture and leanness. Look for freshly ground chicken for best texture.

Ingredients for the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt

To make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor.

Ground chicken is the base of the koftas, offering a mild flavor that soaks up all the herbs and spices.

Fresh parsley adds vibrant herbaceousness and freshness to the mix.

Grated onion keeps the koftas juicy and lends a subtle sweetness.

Garlic brings bold, savory depth both in the koftas and the yogurt sauce.

Ground cumin and coriander add warm, earthy spice that defines the Middle Eastern profile.

Paprika contributes color and gentle smokiness.

Breadcrumbs help bind everything together and give the koftas structure.

Egg acts as an additional binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart.

Salt and pepper round out the seasoning.

For the yogurt sauce:

Greek yogurt is thick, creamy, and tangy—perfect as a cooling contrast.

Lemon juice brightens the sauce and enhances its tang.

Grated garlic infuses the yogurt with bold flavor.

Olive oil adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.

How To Make the Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt

Step 1: Make the Kofta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, spices, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or it will become tough.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Koftas

Form the mixture into oval or round meatballs. You can pan-fry them in a little oil for a crisp exterior or bake them at 400°F until golden and cooked through, about 18-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and a splash of olive oil. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the koftas on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt. Garnish with more parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve immediately while warm.

Serving and Storing Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt

This recipe yields about 16 koftas, which comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people. Serve them fresh and hot with warm pita or over fluffy basmati rice, and always with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt on top. They make for an excellent centerpiece to a Mediterranean spread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain the texture. The yogurt sauce keeps well for 2-3 days separately in the refrigerator.

What to Serve With Chicken Kofta?

Herbed Couscous

A fluffy, quick-cooking grain that soaks up all the juices and flavors.

Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers charred to perfection pair wonderfully.

Homemade Naan or Pita

Soft, warm flatbread is perfect for scooping and wrapping.

Creamy Tzatziki

For another cooling sauce with a cucumber crunch.

Fattoush Salad

A fresh, citrusy salad with crisp veggies and toasted pita.

Roasted Chickpeas

Add crunch and extra protein to your plate.

Hummus

Classic, creamy, and always welcome on a kofta plate.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love these chicken koftas, here are some other crave-worthy chicken recipes from Janet Dishes you should try:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give it a try, let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you serve it with rice or flatbread? Add extra herbs to the yogurt?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and sauces on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite bite.

Conclusion

Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt is one of those dishes that hits every note—savory, creamy, fresh, and satisfying. It’s great for dinner guests or a cozy night in, and it invites creativity with endless serving options. Once you try it, you’ll find it making regular appearances on your meal rotation.