Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a delicious dish that you won’t want to miss! This recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The kofta is juicy and perfectly seasoned, paired beautifully with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce. If you’re looking for an exciting new dish to add to your cooking repertoire, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process seamlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out? Firstly, it’s unbelievably easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The ground chicken is not only a leaner alternative to traditional beef, but it also allows the vibrant flavors of spices and fresh herbs to shine through. Family-friendly and absolutely mouthwatering, these chicken koftas are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, the creamy garlic yogurt sauce adds a delightful touch, making every bite irresistible!
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this fantastic Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 pound ground chicken (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
- 1 small yellow onion, very finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for cooking
These wholesome ingredients combine to create a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating your Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is a breeze, thanks to our easy-to-follow instructions:
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Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced onion, pressed garlic, chopped parsley, and cilantro. Using your hands, incorporate everything well. This step is essential as it blends the flavors together.
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Season generously: Sprinkle in all the spices: cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to add the lightly beaten egg. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this will keep your koftas tender.
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Shape it: With wet hands (this helps prevent sticking), form the mixture into 12-14 oval patties, each about 2 inches long. The wet hands will also give the kofta a beautiful shape.
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Heating up: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, creating the perfect environment for a golden crust.
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Cook to perfection: Add the kofta to the pan, ensuring there’s space between each piece. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown.
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Flip and finish: Gently turn the kofta over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve it up: Transfer your beautifully cooked kofta to a serving plate. Allow them to rest for 2 minutes before serving alongside the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.
These easy steps guide you to a deliciously satisfying meal that you and your loved ones will adore!
Tips & Tricks
- Feel free to experiment! If you want to add a little zing, consider incorporating some lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice into the chicken mix.
- Veggie boost: Throw in some finely grated zucchini or carrot for added moisture and nutrition. Just be cautious about the quantity to keep your kofta from getting too wet.
- Marinade for flavor: If you have the time, allow the chicken mixture to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping. This will enhance the flavors significantly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For the best dining experience, serve your Chicken Kofta alongside the creamy garlic yogurt sauce, which can be made by mixing plain yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of olive oil. Pair the dish with fluffy pita bread, a fresh salad, or warm couscous for a complete meal. You might also want to include a side of grilled vegetables, homemade tabbouleh, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spices beautifully.
Nutritional Information
While precise nutritional information can vary based on specific brands and quantities used, this recipe generally provides:
- Calories: Approximately 150 per kofta
- Protein: 22 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 0 grams
It’s a wholesome option, packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), store the kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them—just make sure they’re fully cooled before doing so. To reheat from frozen, cook them straight from the freezer in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
For variations, try swapping out the chicken for ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste—add more cayenne for heat or omit certain herbs if they’re not your favorite.
Conclusion
Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience filled with flavors that tantalize the palate. Its easy preparation makes it perfect for any night of the week, bringing a touch of excitement to your dining table. So, gather those ingredients and give this recipe a try! You won’t regret it!
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
- Yes, ground beef can be used, but it may alter the flavor and fat content of the dish.
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What can I do if I can’t find fresh herbs?
- Dried herbs can be substituted. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
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Is it necessary to use a specific type of yogurt for the sauce?
- While Greek yogurt is preferred for its creaminess, you can use any plain yogurt you have on hand.
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How do I know when the kofta is fully cooked?
- The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Can I make these koftas ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the kofta mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to shape them into patties when you’re ready to cook.
Irresistible Chicken Kofta with Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
For the Kofta
- 1 pound ground chicken (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
- 1 small yellow onion, very finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for cooking
For the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 dash olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced onion, pressed garlic, chopped parsley, and cilantro. Using your hands, incorporate everything well.
- Sprinkle in all the spices: cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the lightly beaten egg and gently fold the mixture until just combined.
- With wet hands, form the mixture into 12-14 oval patties, each about 2 inches long.
Cooking
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the kofta to the pan, ensuring there’s space between each piece. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown.
- Gently turn the kofta over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Transfer your beautifully cooked kofta to a serving plate and allow them to rest for 2 minutes before serving alongside the creamy garlic yogurt sauce.