EASY CHICKEN KOFTA DINNER PERFECT

Tired of the same old chicken dinners? Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, juicy Chicken Kofta, bursting with aromatic spices and herbs, ready to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean – and the best part? It’s easier to make than you think! I promise, this recipe will become a weeknight staple.

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we have everything ready. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!

For the Chicken Kofta:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

• Pita bread or naan
• Tzatziki sauce
• Hummus
• Chopped tomatoes
• Cucumber, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Kofta Journey Begins!

Okay, friend, time to transform these ingredients into something amazing. Follow along, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kofta tough.

Step 2: Shape the Kofta

1. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
2. Take a small amount of the chicken mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and shape it into an oblong or cylindrical shape, about 3-4 inches long. You can also make them into small patties if you prefer.
3. Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Repeat until all the chicken mixture is used.

Step 3: Cook the Kofta (Three Ways!)

Here’s where you have options! Choose the cooking method that works best for you:

Option 1: Pan-Frying

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the kofta in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the kofta are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Option 2: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the kofta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and lightly browned.

Option 3: Grilling

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates.
3. Place the kofta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Chicken Kofta warm with pita bread or naan, tzatziki sauce, hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lemon wedges.
2. Get creative with your toppings! A dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce would also be delicious.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Let’s face it, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

My kofta are falling apart!

• Solution: Make sure you’re not overmixing the chicken mixture. Also, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping can also help.

My kofta are dry!

• Solution: Don’t overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) but don’t go beyond. Adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the mixture can also help keep them moist.

My kofta are bland!

• Solution: Taste the mixture before shaping the kofta and adjust the seasonings as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can really brighten up the flavor.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas:

• Add some veggies: Grated zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers can add moisture and nutrients to your kofta.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like turmeric, ginger, or garam masala.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Serve it with rice: Instead of pita bread, serve the kofta with fluffy rice and a flavorful sauce.
• Make a Kofta Curry: Simmer the cooked kofta in your favorite curry sauce for a hearty and flavorful meal.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Kofta

The beauty of Chicken Kofta is its versatility! Here are some delicious side dish ideas to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Mediterranean Salad: A simple salad with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Couscous: Fluffy couscous is a great way to soak up all the delicious sauces and flavors.
• Rice Pilaf: Aromatic rice pilaf with herbs and spices adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
• Consider trying the Chicken Casserole Recipe for another comforting meal. Or perhaps, for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake would be perfect. If you’re looking for something creamy and decadent, you might enjoy the Marry Me Chicken Pasta – guaranteed to impress! You could even try Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for a super easy option. For those who love a bit of heat, Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken is a must-try. And for a cheesy, flavorful delight, don’t miss out on Baked Cream Cheese Chicken.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover Chicken Kofta (which is unlikely, because they’re so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Store the cooked kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the kofta in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. For the skillet, heat a little olive oil and cook for a few minutes per side.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

See? Making Chicken Kofta isn’t so scary after all! With a little bit of prep and some simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try – I know you’ll love it!

Easy Chicken Kofta Dinner

This recipe delivers juicy and flavorful chicken kofta, seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs, offering a taste of the Mediterranean. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pita bread or naan, for serving
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• Hummus, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes, for serving
• Cucumber, sliced, for serving
• Red onion, thinly sliced, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment

• Large bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• knife
• Garlic press
• Skillet or Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Grill (optional)
• Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
4. Take a small amount of the chicken mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and shape it into an oblong or cylindrical shape, about 3-4 inches long. You can also make them into small patties.
5. Place the formed kofta on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Repeat until all the chicken mixture is used.
7. To pan-fry: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the kofta in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the kofta are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kofta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and lightly browned.
9. To grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the kofta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
10. Serve the Chicken Kofta warm with pita bread or naan, tzatziki sauce, hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lemon wedges.

Notes

For kofta that are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs or chill the mixture before shaping. To prevent dry kofta, avoid overcooking and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If kofta are bland, adjust seasonings before shaping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven (350°F/175°C for 10-15 minutes), or skillet.