This delicious and simple chicken kofta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
These kebabs can be served as a delightful appetizer, a flavorful addition to salads or as a main course accompanied by a variety of sauces or dips. They make a lighter alternative to traditional ground beef or lamb kofta kebabs.
These easy chicken kebabs are flavorful and juicy, with a balance of savory and slightly spicy notes. This is a great recipe to prepare ahead of grilling as it's quick and easy. It's another thumbs up from the Chief Taster too which is always a bonus.
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What is Chicken Kofta?
Chicken kofta is a popular dish in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It consists of seasoned ground chicken mixed with various herbs, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs or other binders. The mixture is formed into small balls or patties, which are then typically fried, grilled, or baked. Chicken kofta can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a wrap or sandwich.
Ingredients
Grab your chicken, herbs and spices and get ready to cook!
- Chicken breasts - you can use ground chicken or meat from chicken thighs too.
- Onion - just half an onion is enough.
- Garlic - feel free to add an additional clove or two!
- Spices - we use a mix of cardamon, cumin and ground coriander.
- Fresh Herbs - fresh parsley and cilantro. Mint is sometimes added.
How to Make Chicken Kofta Kebabs
Chicken kofta kebabs are prepared by combining ground chicken with ingredients such as finely grated onion, minced garlic, fresh cilantro and parsley along with a medley of spices like cumin, coriander and cardamon. This chicken mixture is shaped into small, elongated patties or cylinders, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection over an open flame or in an oven.
Place all ingredients into a food processor.
Blend thoroughly.
Form the chicken onto skewers.
Grill or bake and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Grating the onion rather than chopping it finely helps release its juices, which adds moisture and flavor to the kofta mixture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chili powder or chopped green chilies.
- Before shaping all the kofta mixture, fry a small amount and taste it to ensure the seasoning is to your liking. Adjust as needed before proceeding.
Storage
Allow the cooked chicken kofta kebabs to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the kebabs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken kofta kebabs in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through. If using the oven, cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What to Serve with Chicken Kofta Kebabs
Chicken kofta kebabs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside chicken kofta kebabs:
- Cauliflower Rice: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can season it with herbs and spices like cilantro, cumin, and lime juice for added flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before grilling.
- Avocado Salad: A simple salad made with avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mixed greens, dressed with a vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice, is both refreshing and keto-friendly.
- Keto Fattoush Salad - Includes a variety of fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and green onions, often seasoned with herbs like mint and parsley. Topped with crispy low carb bread pieces.
- Cucumber Raita: Prepare a keto-friendly version of raita by combining diced cucumber with Greek yogurt, fresh mint, garlic, and a pinch of salt. This cool and creamy dip pairs perfectly with the spicy kofta kebabs.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Spiralized zucchini noodles make a great low-carb alternative to pasta. Toss them with pesto, marinara sauce, or simply sauté with garlic and olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
Fire up the grill and enjoy these grilled chicken recipes:
Chicken Kofta Kebabs
Equipment
- 10 Wooden Skewers or metal skewers
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Ingredients
Spices
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cardamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Herbs
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- If using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using
- Place all of the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until combined thoroughly.
- Take a small portion of the chicken kofta mixture and shape the kofta meat in a cylindrical shape around each skewer.. You can wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. (I wear gloves).
- Chill the shaped kofta shish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours.
Grill
- To grill the koftas, begin by coating the grill grates with cooking oil. Position each kofta skewer (or the individual patties) directly over the heat. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Ensure that the koftas are easily releasing from the grill before flipping. Use a spatula to gently turn them over, as they can be delicate until fully cooked. The koftas are ready when they are lightly browned on both sides and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake in the Oven
- Arrange the skewers of kofta patties on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring there's some space between them. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the koftas are lightly browned and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pan Fry
- In a medium frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Cook the koftas, flipping them once, for 8-12 minutes until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite side salad and sauces. Try a tahini sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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