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Chicken Kofta

Juicy chicken patties spiced to perfection, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Chicken Kofta, Healthy Dinner, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Spiced Patties, Yogurt Sauce
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Kofta

  • 1 pound ground chicken (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced for a sweet crunch
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced releasing a pungent aroma
  • 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped to add a vibrant pop of green
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped to enhance freshness
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin imparting warm, earthy notes
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander providing a citrusy undertone
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika contributing a smoky sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt enhancing all the flavors
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adding a mild heat
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste for those who love a kick
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten to bind the ingredients together
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for cooking, ensuring a beautiful golden crust

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced onion, and minced garlic, stirring them together using your hands until well mixed.
  • Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, cilantro, and the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, then pour in the lightly beaten egg. Gently fold these ingredients until just combined, ensuring everything is evenly distributed but taking care not to overwork the mixture.
  • With dampened hands, form the chicken mixture into oval patties, about 2 inches long, creating 12-14 kofta.

Cooking

  • In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly.
  • Add the kofta to the sizzling skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to allow a beautiful golden crust to form.
  • After the initial cooking time, gently flip the kofta using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Once cooked, transfer the kofta to a serving plate, allowing them to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips: Always handle the chicken mixture gently, and use wet hands to prevent sticking. Ensure your skillet is preheated for an ideal sear.