This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details.
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy recipe, Chicken Kofta is the answer! This Middle Eastern dish uses ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices, formed into skewers or patties, and cooked to perfection. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry these koftas, the result is always juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
With a blend of aromatic spices, juicy ground chicken, and endless pairing options, it’s a dish that will leave your guests and family satisfied. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions, making it a must-have recipe for any home cook. It comes together quickly in under 40 minutes, so you can enjoy a tasty dish without a ton of work.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Love This Recipe
- It’s healthy. Ground chicken is very lean, and and lower in fat compared to traditional lamb or beef koftas.
- It’s versatile. You can serve this as a main dish, appetizer, or in a pita. You can also grill, bake, or pan-fry these koftas depending on what’s most convenient.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and quick cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices, herbs, and protein to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Chicken Kofta Ingredients
- Ground chicken: You could also substitute ground turkey, but it will have a dark color and tougher texture.
- Grated onion: By grating a white onion, you get the taste and moisture without big chunks of onion. For a milder taste, use a sweet onion.
- Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs help bind the meat together to form a meatball.
- Seasonings: The addition of fresh Italian parsley, paprika, black pepper, salt, cumin, and crushed chili flakes give the chicken a unique taste.
- Lime wedges: The skewers are served with lime wedges for a tangy twist.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Chicken: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or lamb if preferred.
- Herbs: You can omit parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicier version. You can also add a little bit of ground cumin or allspice for more depth.
How To Make Chicken Kofta
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, bread crumbs, fresh Italian parsley, paprika, black pepper, salt, cumin, and chili flakes
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Koftas. Take portions of the ground chicken mixture and form it into a log around a skewer. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Koftas. Grill, bake, or pan-fry the koftas based on your preference, typically 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through (165 degrees F internal temperature).
Expert Tips
- Moisture control: If your mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or flour to help bind it.
- Onions: Use a fine grater to grate the onion to ensure it blends well with the ground chicken.
- Don’t Over Cook: Avoid overcooking the kofta to prevent it from drying out.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before forming the kofta to prevent burning.
- Use a food processor: If you want a smoother texture, blend the ground chicken with the onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor before adding the spices. Do not over blend though.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerating the chicken mixture for 30 minutes can help it firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Oil the grill: This prevents the kofta from sticking and ensures you get those beautiful grill marks.
What to Serve with Chicken Kofta Recipe
Grilled Chicken Kofta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to more indulgent Middle Eastern dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Lebanese Garlic Sauce: Complements the spiced chicken perfectly.
- Pita Bread: Warm, fluffy pita is ideal for wrapping around the kofta or dipping in sauces.
- Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing parsley and bulgur salad with tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil.
- Lebanese Hummus: Classic chickpea hummus adds creaminess and richness to the meal.
- Vermicelli Rice Pilaf: A fragrant side dish that pairs well with the grilled kofta’s savory flavors.
- Easy Roasted Grilled Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots potatoes and onions are great grilled alongside the kofta.
Storing and Reheating Reccomendations
Storing: Remove the kofta from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave, oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked kofta (removed from the skewers) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and cook the kofta for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the kofta on a sheet pan for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Stove Top: Cook the kofta in an oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kofta can be made with any ground meat. While ground turkey will provide a similar flavor and nutritional profile, you could also use ground beef, or lamb.
Yes, you can form the mixture into patties, meatballs, or logs and cook them directly on the grill or in a skillet.
If the meat won’t stick together, try chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Do not over process the meat or else the mixture will be too creamy to hold up.
Make sure the mixture is chilled before shaping, and don’t overpack the skewers. If needed, you can also add a bit of breadcrumbs. Also use flat surfaced wooden skewers if available.
More Skewer Recipes
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Beef Kabobs
- Tandoori Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Mango Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Oven Shrimp Skewers
Chicken Kofta is a unique way to enjoy ground chicken. With endless customization options and pairing suggestions, this recipe will become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Chicken Kofta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small white onion, grated
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes
- Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, white onion, bread crumbs, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a portion of the ground chicken mixture and form a log around a metal skewer. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture.
- Preheat a griddle or grill pan. Place the chicken kofta skewers on the griddle or grill pan and cook for 6-8 minutes. Flip to the other side and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken kofta to a serving plate and serve with salad and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Moisture control: If your mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or flour to help bind it.
- Onions: Use a fine grater to grate the onion to ensure it blends well with the ground chicken.
- Don’t Over Cook: Avoid overcooking the kofta to prevent it from drying out.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before forming the kofta to prevent burning.
- Use a food processor: If you want a smoother texture, blend the ground chicken with the onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor before adding the spices. Do not over blend.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerating the chicken mixture for 30 minutes can help it firm up, making it easier to shape.
