Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, high-quality chicken makes all the difference in achieving tender koftas. When I shop, I look for organic, free-range chicken for the best flavour and texture. The yogurt sauce benefits from thick Greek yogurt, which provides creaminess without watering down the garlic punch. Fresh herbs and spices elevate the dish, so don’t skimp on those. I usually keep my spices ground freshly at home—that little extra effort pays off in the final taste.
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably organic, free-range)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (plus extra for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat for richness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the koftas dense. I find using my hands works best for a tender texture.
- Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. This size cooks evenly and is perfect for dipping.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the koftas, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides and ensure they’re cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the koftas cook, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the koftas hot, drizzled with the creamy garlic yogurt sauce and garnished with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
