Name: Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Chicken; 1 tsp Kosher Salt; 3/4 cups Pine Nuts; 1 small Yellow Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 1/4 tsp Cardamom; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves; 1/2 tsp Sumac; 1/4 tsp Nutmeg; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 3/4 tsp Cumin; 1/4 cup Parsley, minced; 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 cup Plain Yogurt; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1 1/2 tsp Cumin; 1 Lemon, juiced; 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt; 1 tsp Parsley, minced; Pitas; Red Onion, thinly sliced; Tomato, cut into wedges

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with Middle Eastern charm and irresistible flavor, then you absolutely have to try this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe. These tender, spiced chicken meatballs are perfectly balanced by a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce, making every bite a delightful adventure. It’s a cozy recipe that comes together quickly, offers a beautiful blend of warm spices, and is perfect for sharing with friends or family any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a large white pot with blue handles, there are fifteen meatballs arranged in a somewhat circular pattern. The meatballs are light brown with green herb bits visible inside and have a rough texture. They cook in a small pool of brown oil at the bottom of the pot. The pot sits on a table with a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a crucial role in building the complex textures and flavors that make this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe so delightful. From aromatic spices to fresh herbs and creamy yogurt, every element is essential.

2 lbs Ground Chicken: The tender base of our kofta, lean and ready to soak up all those spices.
1 tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
3/4 cups Pine Nuts: Toasted to add a buttery crunch and a subtle nuttiness.
1 Yellow Onion (small): Adds sweetness and depth, especially when blitzed with pine nuts.
3 cloves Garlic: Gives a pungent, aromatic boost that ties the flavors together.
1/4 tsp Cardamom: Brings a sweet, floral note for warmth and complexity.
1/4 tsp Cinnamon: Adds a gentle earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves: A touch of spicy sweetness that enriches the mix.
1/2 tsp Sumac: This tangy, lemony spice brightens the kofta beautifully.
1/4 tsp Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm background note.
1/2 tsp Paprika: Brings color and a mellow smokiness to the table.
3/4 tsp Cumin: Offers a nutty, earthy flavor that’s quintessential to kofta.
1/4 cup Parsley (minced): Freshness and color in every bite, balancing the spices.
1 cup Yogurt (plain): The creamy base for the cooling yogurt sauce.
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For searing the kofta to a golden crust.
1 clove Garlic (for sauce): Adds zing to the yogurt sauce.
1 1/2 tsp Cumin (for sauce): Echoes the spices in the kofta, tying the dish together.
1 Lemon (juiced): Brightens and balances the yogurt sauce.
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt (for sauce): Seasoning for the sauce to awaken all flavors.
1 tsp Parsley (minced, for sauce): A final fresh touch in the sauce.
Pitas: Perfect for scooping up kofta and sauce.
Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds crisp bite and color on the side.
Tomato (cut into wedges): Fresh and juicy, rounding out the meal.

How to Make Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Blend the Pine Nuts with Onion and Parsley

Start by toasting the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they release their heavenly aroma, about five minutes. This step brings out the rich nutty flavor that adds wonderful texture and subtle crunch to the kofta. Then, blitz the toasted pine nuts together with the onion and parsley in a food processor to create a fragrant, almost paste-like mixture that will bind the kofta and elevate the taste.

Step 2: Mix the Kofta Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pine nut mixture with ground chicken and all the spices—cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sumac, nutmeg, paprika, and cumin—along with the minced parsley and kosher salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This ensures each kofta is bursting with balanced spices and fresh herbaceous notes.

Step 3: Shape Your Kofta

Using a 3-tablespoon measure, scoop and shape the mixture into compact meatballs or oblong shapes. Setting portions aside makes sure they cook evenly and helps maintain that perfect texture. The uniform size also means they’ll be ready to serve right on schedule, without worrying about some being under or overcooked.

Step 4: Sear and Cook the Kofta

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your kofta and patiently let them develop a golden crust—this should take about 5 minutes. When the crust forms, the kofta will release themselves from the pan easily so you can turn them. Continue searing and turning the kofta to brown all sides evenly, cooking for about 10 more minutes total. If they start looking too dark, reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking gently without burning.

Step 5: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

While the kofta cooks, mix together the yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl: plain yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, lemon juice, kosher salt, and minced parsley. Stir everything well and place the sauce in the fridge to let the flavors meld and chill. This cool, zesty sauce is essential for balancing the warm spices in the kofta, adding a creamy brightness that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 6: Serve Your Kofta

Once cooked, serve your kofta hot with generous drizzles of the chilled yogurt sauce, alongside thinly sliced red onions, fresh tomato wedges, and warm pita bread. This classic combination is a feast for the senses—it’s colorful, fresh, and deeply satisfying every single time.

How to Serve Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A white plate shows six brown grilled meatballs with a slightly charred outside arranged in a rough circle at the bottom half. Four of the meatballs have dollops of smooth white sauce on top. One meatball is cut in half, revealing a light beige inside with small green and brown bits. To the right, a soft, round pita bread with a light golden-brown surface leans against the plate edge. On the top left of the plate, several slices of red tomato wedges rest mixed with thin, curved purple onion slices. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe, think fresh and vibrant garnishes. Thinly sliced red onions add a delightful crunch and sharpness that contrast wonderfully with the soft kofta. Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a burst of green color and fresh flavor. A few extra pine nuts toasted lightly can offer a special finishing touch of nuttiness and texture. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side — a quick squeeze adds innocent brightness that ties all the flavors together spectacularly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Warm pita bread is a must to scoop up those juicy kofta and yogurt sauce bites. A salad of crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs dressed lightly in lemon juice complements the rich spices perfectly. For a heartier meal, try serving with fragrant rice pilaf or couscous studded with herbs and toasted nuts. These sides keep things light but satisfying, supporting the kofta without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe into a vibrant platter for sharing. Arrange kofta, yogurt sauce, pita triangles, sliced veggies, and herbs all on one big board — it’s visually stunning and invites everyone to dig in together. You can also stuff warm pitas with kofta, sauce, and garnishes to make delicious handheld pita sandwiches. Another idea is to skewer the kofta before cooking and serve them as kebabs, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe, store the kofta and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The kofta will remain tender and flavorful for 2–3 days. Keeping the sauce chilled separately helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor balance.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked kofta for up to 2 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. The yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze well, so prepare a fresh batch when you thaw the kofta for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the kofta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their golden crust. Add a fresh spoonful of chilled yogurt sauce right before serving to keep that bright contrast of temperatures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great substitute, offering a similar lean texture. Just be mindful that turkey might be a bit drier, so you could add a touch of olive oil or finely grated onion to keep the kofta moist.

What if I don’t have sumac — can I skip it?

Sumac adds a unique tart, lemony flavor, but if you don’t have it, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the meat mixture can help mimic that brightness. Though it’s worth trying to find sumac for authentic flavor.

How spicy is this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe?

This recipe is more about warm, aromatic spices than heat. It’s mild and approachable for all palates, but if you prefer a little kick, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix.

Can I make the kofta mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge, tightly covered. This actually helps the flavors meld more deeply—just shape and cook them fresh when ready.

Is the yogurt sauce healthy?

Yes, the yogurt sauce is made from plain yogurt with simple fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious, probiotic-rich accompaniment that adds a creamy, tangy contrast without a lot of calories or fat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe that keeps me coming back again and again. The harmony of fragrant spices, tender chicken, and the cooling yogurt sauce creates a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a winner that’s sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and share the joy around your table—you won’t regret it!