Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
These Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce are tender, full of spices, and perfect for pairing with rice, pita, or fresh salad. Ground chicken is mixed with herbs, garlic, and warming spices, shaped into koftas, and grilled or pan-seared until golden. Then they’re served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that balances everything beautifully.
It’s simple, hearty, and tastes like it came straight from a Mediterranean café.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This recipe checks all the boxes: flavorful, easy, and full of protein. The koftas are juicy thanks to grated onion and olive oil, and the garlic yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy finish that ties everything together.
If you loved my Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce or Mediterranean Chicken Tenders, this one gives you the same bold, herby vibe, just in a new, crave-worthy form.
You can serve it in wraps, bowls, or with roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Kofta:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chili flakes, lemon wedges
How to Make Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Prepare the kofta mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, olive oil, spices, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, don’t overwork it.
- Shape the koftas: Form the mixture into small ovals or logs using slightly oiled hands.
- Cook:
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat and cook 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear koftas until golden brown on all sides.
- Make the garlic yogurt sauce: Whisk yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together until creamy.
- Serve: Arrange the koftas on a plate, drizzle with yogurt sauce, and sprinkle with parsley or chili flakes.
Lina’s Tips
- Use dark ground chicken (thigh meat) for extra juicy koftas.
- Add a little grated zucchini if you want extra moisture and texture.
- Serve with warm pita, basmati rice, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a vibrant side, try my Air Fryer Carrots Recipe or Mediterranean Chicken Tenders for a full Mediterranean dinner spread.
Serving Ideas
These Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce are so versatile:
- Wrap them in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and onions for an easy handheld meal.
- Serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa with roasted veggies.
- Create a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and salad for a shareable family-style dinner.
They’re great for meal prep too, reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Lina’s Cozy Note
This is one of those recipes that instantly fills your kitchen with warmth. The Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce has that perfect balance of spice, tang, and comfort. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to feel fresh.
It’s my kind of meal, simple, healthy, and full of flavor that brings everyone to the table.
Print
Chicken Kofta with Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Juicy, Spiced & Comforting
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, spiced Chicken Kofta served with creamy garlic yogurt sauce, a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Combine chicken, onion, garlic, olive oil, spices, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into oval-shaped koftas using oiled hands.
3. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
4. Whisk yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a sauce.
5. Serve koftas warm with garlic yogurt sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
Use dark ground chicken for the juiciest texture.
Serve with pita, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Add grated zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean