BEST CHICKEN KOFTA RECIPE

Craving something bursting with flavor, tender, and incredibly satisfying? Forget boring chicken dinners because these Chicken Kofta are about to become your new obsession! Imagine perfectly spiced ground chicken, formed into juicy little kebabs, and ready to be devoured. I promise you, this recipe will bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

Alright, let’s get everything we need to make these amazing Chicken Kofta. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and the fresh ingredients are totally worth it!

For the Chicken Kofta:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken: I prefer using lean ground chicken, but feel free to use regular if you like.
• 1 Small Onion: Finely chopped, about ½ cup.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better!
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped. Fresh is best for flavor!
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Mint: Finely chopped. Don’t skip this; it adds a lovely freshness.
• 1 Large Egg: To bind everything together.
• 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs: I use panko for extra crispness, but regular works too.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: For flavor and moisture.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin: Earthy and warm.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander: Adds a citrusy note.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika: For a touch of smokiness and color.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little kick!
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, of course!

Optional, for Serving:

• Pita Bread: Warm and fluffy, perfect for wrapping the kofta.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A cool and refreshing yogurt sauce.
• Hummus: Creamy and delicious.
• Chopped Tomatoes and Cucumbers: For a fresh salad.
• Lemon Wedges: For squeezing over the kofta.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Chicken Kofta in no time. Don’t be intimidated; it’s much easier than you think!

Getting Started:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and mint. This step is crucial for even distribution of flavor!
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Mixing and Forming the Kofta:

3. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands (they’re the best tools!) to gently mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofta tough.
4. Form the Kofta: Take a small amount of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and shape it into an oblong or cylindrical shape. You can make them any size you like, but I find that about 3-4 inches long is perfect. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Chill (Optional): Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking, but it’s not essential if you’re short on time.

Cooking the Kofta:

There are several ways to cook your Chicken Kofta. I’ll give you my favorite methods:

Option 1: Pan-Frying

6. Heat the Oil: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Cook the Kofta: Add the kofta to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Option 2: Baking

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. Bake the Kofta: Place the kofta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Option 3: Grilling

10. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
11. Grill the Kofta: Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the kofta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Eat!

Now that your Chicken Kofta are cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• In Pita Bread: Stuff the kofta into warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This is my absolute favorite way to eat them!
• With a Salad: Serve the kofta alongside a fresh Greek salad or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• With Rice or Couscous: Serve the kofta over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous for a more substantial meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the kofta on a platter with various dips, such as tzatziki, hummus, and baba ghanoush.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Kofta

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these Chicken Kofta even better! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the chicken mixture will result in tough kofta. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Wet Your Hands: Wet your hands with water or a little olive oil before shaping the kofta. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Chill the Mixture: Chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the kofta hold their shape while cooking.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for the best flavor. Dried herbs just don’t compare!
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin and coriander.

Variations: Get Creative!

The beauty of this Chicken Kofta recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Cheese: Mix some crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Add Vegetables: Grate some zucchini or carrots into the chicken mixture for added moisture and nutrients.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, oregano, or thyme.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.

What to Serve with Chicken Kofta?

Chicken Kofta are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. For a complete Mediterranean feast, consider serving them with:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Hummus
• Pita bread
• Greek salad
• Rice or couscous
• Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Chicken Kofta recipe, here are a few other chicken recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken for a super easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
• For a low-carb option, check out the Mediterranean Keto Chicken Skillet – it’s packed with healthy fats and fresh vegetables.
• If you’re looking for something sweet and savory, the Honey Garlic Chicken is always a winner.
• For a comforting and family-friendly dinner, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
• Or, for a quick and easy main course, try these Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts.
• And of course, you can’t miss the Garlic Parmesan Chicken – a classic for a reason!

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Kofta!

So there you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most delicious Chicken Kofta. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Best Chicken Kofta Recipe

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Chicken Kofta are flavorful, tender, and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired kebabs. Made with spiced ground chicken and fresh herbs, they are easy to prepare and can be cooked in a pan, oven, or grill. Serve them in pita bread with tzatziki, hummus, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Skillet or Baking sheet or Grill
• Spatula or tongs
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Plate or baking sheet for chilling

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Ground chicken
• 1 Small onion, finely chopped about 1/2 cup
• 2-3 Cloves garlic, minced
• ½ Cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ Cup Fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 Large egg
• ½ Cup Breadcrumbs panko or regular
• 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 Teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Ground coriander
• ½ Teaspoon Paprika
• ¼ Teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Pita bread optional, for serving
• Tzatziki sauce optional, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes optional, for serving
• Chopped cucumbers optional, for serving
• Lemon wedges optional, for serving

Instructions

 

• Finely chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and mint.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Take a small amount of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and shape it into an oblong or cylindrical shape. About 3-4 inches long is perfect.
• Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (optional).
• For Pan-Frying: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kofta to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kofta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
• For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the kofta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.

Notes

Don’t overmix the chicken mixture, or the kofta will be tough. Wet your hands before shaping the kofta to prevent sticking. Chilling the mixture helps the kofta hold their shape. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Adjust the spices to your liking. To add cheese, mix crumbled feta or grated Parmesan into the mixture. You can also grate zucchini or carrots for added moisture. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, hummus, Greek salad, rice, or couscous.