Flavorful Chicken Kofta

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East and North Africa straight to your kitchen. This comprehensive guide will show you how to create the most succulent and perfectly spiced **Chicken Kofta** skewers, a dish that transforms humble ground chicken into an extraordinary meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for an exciting new recipe, these grilled chicken kofta kebabs are sure to impress. They are incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with incredible taste, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Kofta, a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes found in various cuisines, holds a special place in Middle Eastern culinary traditions. While lamb and beef kofta are commonly enjoyed, chicken kofta offers a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative. This recipe focuses on creating tender, juicy ground chicken kofta, expertly seasoned and shaped, then cooked to a beautiful golden perfection. For those interested in exploring traditional kofta further, delve into our easy kofta kebab recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kofta Recipe

• **A Delicious Twist on Ground Chicken:** Tired of the same old chicken dishes? This recipe offers an exciting and flavorful way to utilize ground chicken, elevating it with vibrant Middle Eastern spices and herbs.
• **Budget-Friendly & Feeds a Crowd:** Chicken kofta is an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s perfect for feeding large families or entertaining guests without breaking the bank.
• **Excellent for Meal Prep:** Prepare the kofta mixture in advance and refrigerate it, or shape the kofta and freeze them for quick weeknight dinners. This recipe is designed for convenience and makes meal planning a breeze.
• **Versatile Cooking Methods:** No outdoor grill? No problem! Our chicken kofta can be cooked indoors on a grill pan or baked in the oven with minimal effort, ensuring delicious results every time.
• **Packed with Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors:** Experience the rich, aromatic blend of traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander, combined with fresh herbs, for a truly authentic taste experience.

Understanding the Essentials: What is Kofta?

Kofta, derived from the Persian word “kooftan” meaning “to pound,” refers to a diverse category of meat dishes found across the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Traditionally, kofta consists of ground or minced meat (often lamb, beef, or chicken) mixed with various spices, onions, and herbs, then shaped into balls, patties, or cylinders before being grilled, baked, fried, or simmered in sauces. Our chicken kofta recipe embraces this rich tradition, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful version, perfect for skewers.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Kofta

Crafting the perfect chicken kofta starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving that authentic Middle Eastern flavor:

• **Chicken Breast (or Ground Chicken):** While store-bought ground chicken is convenient, grinding your own boneless, skinless chicken breast allows for better control over texture. Partially freezing the chicken before processing yields a coarser, more desirable texture for kofta.
• **Onion & Garlic:** These aromatic staples form the flavor base, adding depth and a savory sweetness to the kofta mixture.
• **Fresh Parsley:** A generous amount of fresh parsley brightens the flavor profile and adds a beautiful green fleck to the kofta.
• **Yogurt:** A secret ingredient that adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken, resulting in incredibly juicy kofta.
• **Butter (Room Temperature):** Incorporating a small amount of room-temperature butter enhances the richness and mouthfeel, preventing the chicken from drying out during cooking.
• **Cornmeal:** This ingredient acts as a binder, helping the kofta hold its shape and preventing it from falling apart, especially when grilling.
• **Middle Eastern Spices:**
  • **Cardamom:** Offers a unique, sweet, and slightly floral aroma characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • **Cinnamon:** Adds a warm, sweet, and comforting note that beautifully complements savory dishes.
  • **Coriander:** Provides a lemony, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor.
  • **Black Pepper & Salt:** Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
• **Brushing Solution (Ketchup, Lemon Juice, Oil, Salt, Black Pepper):** This simple yet effective solution is brushed onto the kofta during cooking, adding a slight tang, a touch of color, and extra moisture, ensuring a delicious crust. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, as olive oil might impart too strong a flavor here.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chicken Kofta

Follow these detailed steps to prepare and cook your delicious Middle Eastern chicken kofta:

Preparing the Kofta Mixture:

1. **Prepare Skewers:** If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during grilling or baking.
2. **Process Aromatics:** In a food processor, combine the roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, and fresh parsley. Pulse until finely minced. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
3. **Grind Chicken:** If using chicken breast, cut it into small pieces and partially freeze for about 15-20 minutes. This makes grinding easier and helps achieve a better texture. Add the partially frozen chicken pieces to the food processor and pulse until ground, ensuring it still has some texture and isn’t a paste.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the ground chicken to the bowl with the parsley-onion mixture. Then, add the room temperature butter, yogurt, cornmeal, ground coriander, ground cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
5. **Mix Thoroughly:** Using your hands, thoroughly mix all ingredients until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be well-incorporated and slightly sticky.
6. **Chill (Optional but Recommended):** For easier handling and shaping, cover the chicken mixture and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Shaping and Cooking Your Chicken Kofta:

7. **Prepare Brushing Solution:** In a small bowl, whisk together the water, ketchup, salt, black pepper, oil, and lemon juice until well combined. This solution will keep your kofta moist and flavorful.
8. **Shape the Kofta:** Moisten your hands with the brushing solution. Take a fistful of the chicken mixture (about ¼ cup) and firmly press it around each skewer, shaping it into an elongated cylinder or finger. Ensure the mixture is tightly packed onto the skewer to prevent it from falling off during cooking. Arrange the shaped kofta on a baking dish or plate.
9. **Preheat Oven/Grill:**
   • **For Oven Baking:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
   • **For Grill Pan/Outdoor Grill:** Prepare your grill pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high.
10. **Initial Brush & Bake/Grill:** Lightly brush the shaped chicken kofta with the prepared brushing solution.
    • **Oven Method (Recommended for juiciness):** Place the kofta in the lower rack of the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
    • **Grill Pan/Outdoor Grill:** Place the brushed kofta directly onto the hot grill or grill pan.
11. **Flip and Finish Cooking:**
    • **Oven Method:** After 10 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully turn the kofta to the other side, brush generously with more of the solution, and return to the upper rack for another 10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. For extra char marks, you can transfer them to a preheated grill pan or outdoor grill for the last few minutes.
    • **Grill Pan/Outdoor Grill:** Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, brushing with the solution each time you flip. Cook until the kofta are nicely browned with char marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Amira’s Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Kofta

• **The Two-Stage Cooking Method (Oven & Grill):** For the juiciest kofta with beautiful grill marks, I highly recommend cooking them in the oven first for about 5 minutes per side, brushing with the solution. While they’re in the oven, heat and generously oil your grill (or grill pan). Transfer the partially cooked kofta to the hot grill to finish, getting those desirable smoky flavors and char marks without drying out the chicken.
• **Don’t Overcook:** Chicken kofta cooks relatively quickly. Overcooking will result in dry kofta. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as your guide.
• **Moist Hands for Shaping:** Always moisten your hands with water or the brushing solution when shaping the kofta mixture. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps create smooth, even shapes.
• **Chill for Easier Handling:** If the chicken mixture feels too soft or difficult to shape, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. The cold helps firm it up, making it much easier to work with.
• **Quality of Spices:** Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for the most vibrant flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for years, they’ve likely lost their potency.

Variations to Customize Your Chicken Kofta

While this classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to experiment and personalize your chicken kofta:

• **Ground Turkey Kofta:** Easily substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a similar lean and flavorful alternative.
• **Herbal Enhancements:** Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint, cilantro, or dill to the mixture for a different aromatic twist.
• **Spicy Kick:** Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
• **Cheesy Delight:** For a unique flavor, mix in a couple of tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese into the chicken mixture before shaping.
• **Vegetable Boost:** Finely grate a small zucchini or carrot and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the mixture for added nutrients and moisture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Chicken kofta is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing:

• **Refrigeration:** Store any leftover cooked chicken kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a stovetop until warmed through.
• **Freezing Uncooked Kofta:** Shape the kofta as directed, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• **Freezing Cooked Kofta:** Allow cooked kofta to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Chicken Kofta

Middle Eastern chicken kofta is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, creating a truly satisfying meal:

• **Classic Dips:** Serve with creamy Tahini Sauce, refreshing Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce, or smoky Baba Ganoush. These dips add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
• **Over Grains:** Enjoy your kofta over a bed of fluffy yellow turmeric rice or fragrant Instant Pot Basmati rice. The rice absorbs the delicious juices and complements the spices perfectly.
• **In Wraps:** Stuff the kofta into warm whole wheat pita bread with fresh salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a portable and satisfying meal.
• **With Roasted Vegetables:** Pair with a side of vibrant Mediterranean roasted vegetables for a healthy and colorful meal.
• **Kofta Bowls:** Create a customizable kofta bowl with hummus, rice, fresh greens, chopped vegetables, and a generous dollop of yogurt sauce.

Homemade chicken kofta is truly a game-changer for transforming ground chicken into extraordinary meals. The convenience of preparing them in advance and stashing them in your freezer means a delicious, flavorful dinner is always within reach. Simply pull them from the freezer and bake or grill—just allow a few extra minutes for cooking.

While I typically enjoy them grilled or baked, another delightful way to serve them is by simmering them in a rich tomato sauce. However, for a quick and fresh meal, the grilled or baked method is my personal favorite.

More Delicious Related Recipes

If you loved this chicken kofta recipe, be sure to explore these other fantastic dishes:

• For another inventive way to use ground chicken, try our flavorful ground chicken patties. Breaded and fried to crispy golden perfection, this chicken patties recipe is a guaranteed winner!
• Discover these unique gluten-free meatballs, also known as Egyptian rice meatballs, made with fresh herbs, spices, and rice flour. They’re dairy and egg-free, offering a wonderful alternative.

Recipes Perfect for the Grill

Embrace the joy of grilling with these mouth-watering recipes:

• These delicious Shish Kabob skewers are incredibly easy to prepare and taste even better than what you’d find at a high-quality restaurant. Featuring beef steak marinated in a blend of herbs and warm spices, they’re perfect for grilling, with oven instructions included too.
• For another classic, Kofta Kebabs are a beloved Middle Eastern dish, ideal for grilling or baking in the oven.
• Our all Beef Kafta Recipe is set to become your next crowd-pleasing secret. Tender ground beef, perfectly spiced and grilled, served over fluffy rice or warm pita bread.

If you love this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

This recipe was first published on May 7, 2018. It was last updated on March 7, 2024, with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability to ensure you have the best experience making this delightful dish.