Name: Chicken Kofta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 small onion, grated or finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or allspice (optional); 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or grilling)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Kofta is quick to prepare, full of bold spices, and incredibly versatile. You can cook them in different ways—grilled, baked, or pan-seared—and serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or wrapped in pita with sauce. They’re naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and perfect for meal prep. The warm spices and fresh herbs create an irresistible flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chicken
Onion, grated or finely minced
Garlic, minced
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Ground cinnamon or allspice (optional for warmth)
Paprika
Chili flakes or cayenne (optional for heat)
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, chopped herbs, and all spices.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the koftas tender.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, oval patties, or logs depending on your preference.
To grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan and lightly oil. Cook koftas for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place koftas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook koftas for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Serve hot with rice, pita, salad, or dipping sauces like tzatziki or garlic yogurt.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add grated zucchini or carrot for extra moisture and veggies.
Use ground turkey for a similar texture.
Form into kebabs on skewers for a fun presentation.
Top with tahini sauce or harissa yogurt for extra flavor.
Serve over couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.
To freeze, store uncooked or cooked koftas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

FAQs

What is kofta?

Kofta is a spiced meat mixture shaped into meatballs or patties, popular in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Can I use ground beef or lamb?

Yes, the recipe works well with other ground meats too, but chicken makes a lighter version.

How do I keep the koftas moist?

Grated onion and herbs add moisture. Avoid overcooking or overmixing the meat.

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sauces go well with chicken kofta?

Tzatziki, tahini, garlic yogurt sauce, or a simple cucumber raita all pair wonderfully.

Are chicken koftas gluten-free?

Yes, this version contains no breadcrumbs. Always double-check spice blends if using pre-mixed.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, they’re great in lunchboxes, wraps, or salads when served chilled.

What’s the best way to serve chicken kofta?

With rice, flatbread, salad, or inside a pita with sauce and vegetables.

Can I add eggs or breadcrumbs?

You can, but it’s usually not necessary with moist ground chicken and onion. If your mix feels too loose, a tablespoon of breadcrumbs can help.

Conclusion

Chicken Kofta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together warm spices, fresh herbs, and juicy ground chicken in every bite. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-fried, these koftas make a versatile and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite sides or sauces, and enjoy a healthy, homemade dish that’s bursting with bold, savory flavor.

Chicken Kofta

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Chicken Kofta is a flavorful and juicy Middle Eastern-inspired dish made from spiced ground chicken, herbs, and onions. Easy to bake, grill, or pan-fry, these koftas are perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grill, Bake, or Pan-Fry
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, chopped herbs, and all spices.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, oval patties, or logs as desired.
To grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan and lightly oil. Cook koftas for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place koftas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
To pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook koftas 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
Serve hot with rice, pita, salad, or dipping sauces like tzatziki or garlic yogurt.

Notes

Add grated zucchini or carrot for extra moisture.
Do not overmix the meat to keep koftas tender.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Great for meal prep and can be served hot or cold in wraps or salads.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 240
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 95mg