If you’re searching for a flavorful and versatile ground chicken dish, this chicken kofta recipe is the perfect solution. Made with lean ground chicken, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and onions, chicken kofta delivers a big flavour with minimal effort. These juicy meatballs are shaped into logs or rounds and can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried, depending on your preference. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special gathering, chicken kofta offers a healthy and satisfying option the whole family will love.
This simple chicken kofta recipe is a mix of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines; over there, they love such circular mince balls and koftas as comfort food. It’s a warm mix of cumin, coriander, some paprika for colour and heat and garlic for a kick that gives chicken koftas the depth that this recipe needs, and parsley or cilantro to bring a little bright, herbal freshness to the mix. Offer them over a mound of fluffy basmati rice, warm pita or with a fresh salad as part of a complete meal. A drizzle of tahini sauce, garlic yoghurt, or tzatziki can take the dish to the next level.
In this post, you’ll find an easy-to-follow chicken kofta recipe alongside tips & tricks to ensure that your koftas are moist, juicy and never dry. We will also cover alternate cooking methods, adaptations for flavour preferences, ways to serve and enjoy the dish in new ways, and options so you can still enjoy the dish if you’re on a low-carb diet, need a go-to meal prep recipe, or serving to guests. Let’s dive in!
Origins of Chicken Kofta
The word kofta, you see, comes from the Persian term koftan, meaning “to grind,” a reference to the ground meat that forms the basis of any kofta recipe. Loosely inspired by the Middle Eastern kofta (a dish whose roots extend through Central Asia, across the Indian subcontinent and all the way to the Mediterranean), meatballs are used to convey a variety of flavours within the same meal. Typically made with lamb or beef, chicken kofta is a lighter, contemporary version that’s seen growing popularity for its lean protein content and subtle taste.
There are countless variations of kofta in each region. In Lebanon and Turkey, there are grilled kofta kebabs flavoured with sumac and parsley. In India and Pakistan, kofta balls swim in garam masala and turmeric-tinted curry gravies. This chicken kofta recipe borrows a little from all of them, making sure it’s juicy, spicy, and fit for your kitchen.
Why Making Chicken Kofta at Home Is a Great Idea
While store-bought or frozen kofta may save time, homemade chicken kofta offers unmatched freshness, control, and customization. When you make it yourself, you can:
- Choose high-quality, lean ground chicken
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste
- Avoid unnecessary additives, preservatives, or fillers
- Customize the texture by adjusting binding ingredients like egg or breadcrumbs
Another bonus? Homemade chicken koftas are freezer-friendly. You can prep a batch in advance and freeze them raw or cooked for quick meals on busy nights. They’re great for meal prep, family dinners, or even party appetizers with dipping sauces.
Health Benefits of Chicken Kofta Recipe
Chicken kofta is more than delicious, it’s a wholesome option packed with nutrients. Here’s a nutritional comparison per 100g cooked portion:
| Nutrient | Amount | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal | Moderate in calories, ideal for meal prep |
| Protein | 20–22 g | Supports muscle growth and repair |
| Total Fat | 7–9 g | Lower than beef or lamb koftas |
| Saturated Fat | ~2 g | Heart-healthier alternative |
| Iron | 1.2–1.5 mg | Supports red blood cell production |
| Vitamin B6 | ~0.5 mg | Aids in metabolism and immune health |
| Sodium (homemade) | <200 mg | Lower than packaged versions |
✅ Note: Exact values may vary based on ingredients and cooking method.
Chicken Kofta Recipe From OoohDelish!
Chicken Kofta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining mixture
- 1 Skillet Or grill pan or oven
- 1 Food processor Optional for blending herbs and aromatics
- 1 Spatula or tongs For flipping koftas
Ingredients
- 500 g Ground chicken Lean fresh ground
- 1 Onion Grated or finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Or cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika Optional for deeper flavor
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- ½ tsp Chili flakes Optional for heat
- 1 tbsp Olive oil To keep mixture moist
- 1 Egg Acts as a binder
- ⅓ cup Breadcrumbs Optional helps hold shape
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For pan-frying if not baking
Instructions
1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, spices, salt, pepper, chili flakes, olive oil, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until evenly combined.
2. Chill the mix: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the koftas hold their shape and absorb the flavors.
3. Shape the koftas: Lightly oil your hands and shape the mixture into small logs or round meatballs, about 2–3 inches long.
4. Choose your cooking method:
- Pan-fry: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook koftas for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Grill: Place on skewers and grill over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake on a lined sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve hot with rice, pita bread, yogurt sauce, or salad.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prep the mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
- Freezing: Shape koftas and freeze them raw or cooked. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Serve with: Garlic yogurt sauce, tahini dressing, hummus, or a cucumber-tomato salad.
- Spicy version: Add more chili flakes or ½ tsp cayenne for extra heat.
✨ We hope this chicken kofta recipe brings bold flavor and joy to your table.Bon appétit — and may every bite be as satisfying as it is delicious! 🧆💛
Chicken Kofta Variations
One of the best things about this chicken kofta recipe is how easily it can be adapted to different cuisines or dietary preferences. Here are some tasty variations:
- Spicy Indian Kofta: Add garam masala, turmeric, and chopped green chilies. Serve in tomato-onion curry.
- Mediterranean Kofta: Use oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and parsley. Serve with hummus and pita.
- Low-Carb Kofta: Omit breadcrumbs and use almond flour or grated zucchini as a binder.
- Cheesy Kofta: Stuff with a cube of mozzarella or feta before shaping for a surprise cheesy center.
- Air Fryer Kofta: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes for a crisp outside without oil.
How to Serve Chicken Kofta
Chicken kofta is a flexible main dish or appetizer. Here are creative and nutritious serving ideas:
- With basmati rice and cucumber yogurt sauce for a full meal
- In pita pockets with tahini, pickled onions, and shredded lettuce
- On skewers with grilled vegetables for BBQ or picnic-style meals
- Over salad bowls with quinoa, greens, and garlic dressing
- In wraps or flatbread with tzatziki or garlic aioli
- With tomato curry sauce for an Indian-style meal with naan
- As meal prep pair with roasted veggies and grains for lunchboxes
Pro tip: Make a dipping sauce trio with hummus, mint yogurt, and harissa to impress guests or elevate a weeknight dinner.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Kofta
Here’s a list of pro tips to help you nail your chicken kofta recipe every time:
- Don’t overcook: Chicken dries out quickly, cook until just done and no longer pink inside.
- Use fresh ground chicken: Avoid overly watery or pre-frozen meat to keep the koftas from falling apart.
- Chill the mixture: Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping, it firms up for easier handling.
- Add fat: If your chicken is very lean, a bit of olive oil or grated onion helps retain moisture.
- Use a food processor: To evenly distribute herbs and spices throughout the mixture.
- Oil your hands: Lightly grease your palms before shaping koftas to prevent sticking.
- Choose your cooking method: Grill for smoky flavor, pan-fry for crispness, or bake for convenience.
Conclusion
Chicken kofta is a tasty, versatile dish that will take your tastebuds straight to the Middle East and South Asia. Grilled, sauteed, or baked, these healthy meatballs are a quick and easy protein-packed option for busy weeks, meal prep or fit snacks. You can whip up a restaurant-calibre meal at home, packed with just a few fresh spices and no processed additives.
What I love about this chicken kofta recipe, however, is that it’s adaptable. You can shape the koftas into meatballs, patties or skewers, serve them over rice, stuff them into a pita or toss them into a salad bowl. And they freeze beautifully, so you can double the recipe and eat healthy, delicious meals all week long. If you’re feeding the family (crushing arm day this week at the gym) or meal prepping for one, well, let me tell you: easy, affordable, and tastes good always wins.
If you want to try out different flavours and serving styles, don’t let anything stop you. Experiment by adding other herbs, changing up the spices or serving with unusual sauces such as harissa, tahini, or mint yoghurt. After you learn the ropes of this chicken kofta recipe, you’ll have a delicious go-to meal that is both nourishing and exciting. Give it a shot . You’ll be sold after one bite.
Share Your Twist on Flavor – Chicken Kofta!
Did you stuff your koftas with feta or mozzarella? Add a smoky touch with paprika and chili flakes? Maybe you gave it a refreshing twist by mixing in mint, or went bold with a creamy curry sauce?
At Oooh Delish, we love seeing your delicious creativity — whether you’re air-frying for a lighter version, going gluten-free with almond flour, or shaping them into bite-sized kofta sliders for party snacks!
📸 Snap a photo of your Chicken Kofta creation and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist — we might feature your version on our site or socials!
💌 Got a unique family-style kofta recipe or a regional variation? Send it to us at contact@ooohdelish.com and we may test, publish, and credit it to you as the contributor. Let’s keep the kofta love rolling!
Get creative, spice it up, and make it yours — because kofta night should never be boring! 🎉🧆
FAQs: Chicken Kofta Recipe
Can I bake the chicken koftas instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake chicken koftas at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s a great low-oil alternative to pan-frying.
How do I keep chicken koftas from falling apart?
Make sure to chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping. Using an egg and breadcrumbs or almond flour as a binder also helps the koftas hold their shape.
Can I freeze chicken koftas?
Absolutely. You can freeze them raw or cooked. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a ziplock bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Are chicken koftas healthy?
Yes, they are high in protein and lower in fat than traditional beef or lamb koftas. Use olive oil, lean ground chicken, and bake or grill for an even healthier version.
What can I serve with chicken kofta?
They go well with basmati rice, pita bread, fresh salads, or creamy sauces like yogurt dip, tzatziki, or tahini dressing.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute in this chicken kofta recipe. Just be sure it has enough fat to keep the koftas moist.
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