Print

Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 12 reviews

This Chicken Kofta Kebabs recipe offers a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring ground chicken mixed with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and onions, shaped onto skewers and baked to perfection. Served with a tangy garlicky yogurt sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kofta Kebabs

  • 1 small onion (peeled and roughly chopped or finely diced; about ½ medium-large onion)
  • 1 bunch parsley (large stems removed)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

For the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce

  • ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt (Greek or plain, fat-free or low fat)
  • 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley leaves (finely minced)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kebab mixture: In a small food processor, combine the roughly chopped onion, parsley bunch, and garlic cloves and pulse until finely chopped and well combined. If you don’t have a processor, finely chop the onion, parsley leaves, and garlic by hand. The mixture will be slightly liquid, which is normal and should be added to the chicken mixture.
  2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, ground coriander seeds, ground allspice, ground cumin, ground cardamom, salt, black pepper, and the chopped onion, parsley, and garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the meat.
  3. Shape the kebabs: Use your hands to form elongated patties from the mixture. Then, insert wooden skewers through each patty and gently shape the meat around the skewer to secure it in place.
  4. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
  5. Cook the kebabs: Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Prepare the garlicky yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and flavorful.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the garlicky yogurt sauce over the cooked chicken kofta kebabs. Serve with rice and a side salad for a complete meal. Store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during baking.
  • Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option and to avoid excess fat.
  • Breadcrumbs help bind the kebabs and keep them moist, but you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • If you prefer, the kebabs can also be grilled instead of baked for a smokier flavor.