Best Chicken Kofta Recipe
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.
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.