Tired of dry, bland chicken meatballs? This incredible Chicken Kofta Recipe is your answer to a flavor-packed, juicy, and tender meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget everything you thought you knew about ground chicken; these koftas are aromatic, perfectly spiced, and unbelievably moist. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or grill them, they are a guaranteed hit for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Originating from Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, kofta are essentially spiced meatballs or meatloaves. Our version uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a dish that is both exotic and comfortingly familiar. Let’s dive in and make the best chicken kofta you’ve ever had!
What is Chicken Kofta?
Chicken Kofta is a delicious dish made from ground chicken mixed with a blend of fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. The mixture is typically shaped into logs or ovals around skewers, or sometimes formed into simple meatballs. They are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in several ways, each yielding a slightly different but equally delicious result. This easy chicken kofta recipe is your gateway to a world of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta Recipe
- Incredibly Juicy: We use a specific technique and combination of ingredients to ensure every bite is succulent and moist.
- Packed with Flavor: Aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, combined with fresh parsley and mint, create a complex and irresistible taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: We’ll show you how to pan-fry, bake, or grill these koftas to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to build its amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Chicken Kofta
- Ground Chicken: 1 lb (450g). Don’t use extra-lean, as a little fat is crucial for juicy koftas.
- Yellow Onion: ½ cup, finely grated. Grating the onion releases its juices and allows it to melt into the meat.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, finely chopped.
- Fresh Mint: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional, but recommended).
- Ground Cumin: 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
For the Simple Yogurt Sauce
- Plain Greek Yogurt: 1 cup.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh.
- Fresh Dill or Mint: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Our Easy Chicken Kofta Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Making this ground chicken kebab recipe is a straightforward process. Following these steps will guarantee perfect results every time.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the koftas tough.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This step is crucial! It allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
- Shape the Koftas: Divide the chilled mixture into 8-10 equal portions. If using skewers, wet your hands slightly and mold each portion into a 4-inch log shape around the skewer. If not using skewers, simply shape them into logs or thick ovals.
Three Ways to Cook Chicken Kofta
One of the best things about this Chicken Kofta Recipe is its versatility. You can choose the cooking method that works best for you.
Pan-Frying (For a Golden Crust)
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the koftas in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. If you love this easy pan-seared method, you should also try our recipe for creamy garlic chicken.
Baking (For an Easy, Hands-Off Approach)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the koftas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly browned. This method is great for making a large batch at once.
Grilling (For That Classic Smoky Flavor)
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the kofta skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked through. This is our favorite method for summer cookouts.
Tips for the Juiciest Chicken Koftas
- Don’t Use Lean Chicken: A little bit of fat content (like from ground thigh meat) is essential for moisture.
- Grate, Don’t Chop the Onion: Grating the onion adds moisture and flavor without leaving large chunks.
- Chill the Mixture: Don’t skip this step! It helps the koftas hold their shape and deepens the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken cooks quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked but still juicy.
What to Serve with Chicken Kofta
These koftas are a fantastic centerpiece for a meal. Serve them with the simple yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or fluffy basmati rice. For a truly impressive spread, consider adding a side of hummus or a flavorful salad like our chickpea and black bean salad. It’s a healthy and satisfying combination.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
You can store leftover cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, you can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw uncooked koftas in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re looking for another great make-ahead meal, our chicken lasagna bake is a fantastic freezer-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken kofta freezes beautifully. You can freeze them uncooked or cooked. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to flash-freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
The key to juicy chicken kofta is to use ground chicken that isn’t extra-lean (a little fat is good!), grate the onion to add moisture, and avoid overmixing the ingredients. Also, be careful not to overcook them; use a meat thermometer to pull them at 165°F (74°C).
It depends on your preference! Frying gives the kofta a delicious, golden-brown crust, while baking is a more hands-off method that’s great for cooking larger batches with less oil. Both methods produce a juicy and delicious result.
A classic sauce for kofta is a simple yogurt-based sauce. Ours is made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill or mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced meat.
The terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, ‘kofta’ refers to minced or ground meat mixed with spices (like a meatball or meatloaf), while ‘kebab’ often refers to pieces of meat cooked on a skewer. However, kofta are very often cooked on skewers, so they are a type of kebab.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, we know you’ll love exploring more of our flavorful dishes. From appetizers to desserts, there’s always something new to create in the kitchen!
We hope you love this easy and flavorful Chicken Kofta Recipe! It’s a simple dish that delivers complex, satisfying flavors perfect for any occasion. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest for later!
Chicken Kofta Recipe
Chicken Kofta Recipe: The Juiciest, Most Flavorful Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
- Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions. Wet your hands and shape each portion into a 4-inch log, around a skewer if using.
- Cook using one of the methods: Pan-Fry with olive oil for 8-10 mins, turning until golden. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins. Or Grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 mins, turning occasionally.
- While the koftas cook, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill or mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve the hot koftas with the cool yogurt sauce.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't skip the chilling step! It's essential for developing flavor and helping the koftas hold their shape during cooking.
Tip 3: For the juiciest results, use ground chicken with some fat content (e.g., from thigh meat) rather than extra-lean ground breast.
