Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and totally satisfying, you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these tender, spiced chicken koftas pair with the cool, tangy garlic yogurt sauce — it’s like a little celebration in your mouth every time you take a bite! Whether you’re firing up the grill for family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend barbecue, this recipe is straightforward and downright delicious. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so yours comes out perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe come together beautifully — fresh, simple, and super accessible. I especially recommend using fresh parsley and good-quality yogurt; they really make the flavors shine.

• Ground chicken: Lean but juicy, it’s my go-to for tender koftas that grill beautifully.
• Onion: Finely chopped to mix in smoothly without overpowering.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key to getting that signature bold zing.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy depth to the flavor profile.
• Ground coriander: Adds subtle citrusy notes that brighten the meat.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip!
• Ground black pepper: For a gentle kick and balance.
• Plain yogurt: Choose a thick, creamy one for the sauce — it makes all the difference.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds that bright, fresh tanginess that cuts through the richness.
• Olive oil: For grilling, it helps prevent sticking and adds a fruity richness.

Variations

I like to experiment slightly with this grilled chicken kofta recipe depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to make it your own — the flavors easily adapt!

• Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, perfect when I want a smoky, spicy kick.
• Herb swap: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh cilantro for a different herbaceous punch — both work beautifully.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe naturally doesn’t use breadcrumbs, so it’s safe for gluten-free diets as is!
• Serve differently: Instead of grilling, you can cook koftas in a skillet — a great option when it’s rainy.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meat with Magic

Start by tossing the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper into a large bowl. Use your hands — I find this helps marry everything evenly. Don’t rush here; mixing well is the secret to juicy koftas that hold together on the grill. If you have time, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes — I discovered this trick ramps up the flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Shape Those Koftas

Next, form the mixture into small oval-shaped kebabs — about the size of your palm. Nothing too big or they won’t cook evenly. I like using wet hands here to prevent sticking. You’ll find that uniform size ensures they grill perfectly every time without drying out.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then brush the grates with olive oil. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the koftas’ edges. Grill each kofta for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to get those gorgeous grill marks and cook evenly through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature hits 165°F and they feel firm but still juicy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the koftas are grilling, mix the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. I love adding a little extra minced garlic here if I’m in the mood — it’s the perfect cooling counterpoint to the spiced chicken. This sauce is your creamy, tangy best friend!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up the grilled chicken koftas alongside your garlic yogurt sauce. I adore serving these with warm pita bread and a simple salad or even a bed of fluffy rice — it turns this into a complete, hearty meal your whole family will adore.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling some extra fresh parsley or chopped mint leaves right on top — it gives a fresh pop and looks pretty too. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon wedges on the plate for an optional bright squeeze. It’s such a simple touch but uplifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing these koftas with warm pita bread or flatbreads for scooping. My family also loves them served over fluffy basmati rice or alongside a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad. For something heartier, roasted veggies or grilled corn make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to thread these koftas onto wooden skewers and serve them family-style on a big platter with generous dollops of garlic yogurt sauce and sides arranged beautifully. Add some colorful pickled veggies, and it’s immediately party-ready. It never fails to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover koftas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor remains vibrant, and they reheat well without drying out — just be sure to cover them so they stay moist.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, these koftas freeze beautifully! I shape them, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or cooking.

Reheating

I reheat leftover koftas in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep them juicy. You can also warm them briefly in the oven — just cover with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat the garlic yogurt sauce separately for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Grilled Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, and it never fails to bring people together around the table. Every time I make it, the combination of juicy, spiced chicken with the creamy garlic sauce just hits the spot — it’s like sharing a little joy on a plate. So grab your grill, invite some friends, and enjoy the deliciousness!

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