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A plate of Middle Eastern chicken kebabs, shaped and ready for cooking, garnished with fresh herbs.

Chicken Kofta Recipe (Incredibly Juicy & Flavorful)

This easy Chicken Kofta Recipe creates the most tender, juicy, and flavorful Middle Eastern ground chicken kebabs. Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Skillet or Grill

Instructions
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Dampen your hands with water. Shape the mixture into 4-inch logs or oval patties, about 1-inch thick. This should make about 12-14 koftas.
  4. To cook, choose one of the following methods: Grill, Pan-Fry, or Bake. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Pan-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. While the koftas are cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Serve the chicken koftas warm with the yogurt sauce, pita bread, and a side salad.

Notes

Tip 1: For the most flavorful koftas, allow the mixed chicken mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
Tip 2: If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Tip 3: Don't have fresh mint or parsley? You can use dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount called for.
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