Delicious Homemade Chicken Kofta Recipe You Can’t Resist

Chicken Koftas

When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, chicken kofta is a dish that truly shines. As someone who manages numerous responsibilities, I often seek recipes that are not just easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Chicken kofta perfectly fits this need! Juicy ground chicken is combined with aromatic spices, shaped into tender meatballs, and served in various delightful ways. In this blog post, I will share my go-to chicken kofta recipe that you can make in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for your busy life.

What are Chicken Kofta?

Chicken kofta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of spiced ground meat shaped into balls or patties. While lamb or beef kofta is popular, chicken kofta provides a lighter option without losing out on taste. Its versatility means you can enjoy it with fluffy rice, inside warm pita bread, or alongside a vibrant salad.

The blend of spices not only adds depth to the dish but also fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This recipe is especially useful for those who want a homemade meal but find it challenging to allocate time for cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own chicken kofta, gather the following simple ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

• 1 tablespoon of gram flour

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

  
  

These ingredients are easily accessible and allow you to make a dish that is not only tasty but also satisfying.

Preparing the Chicken Kofta Mixture

Start by preparing the chicken kofta mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.

Next, sprinkle in the spices: ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you prefer a touch of heat.

Mix everything together until it is well combined. For me, using my hands makes this process easier, ensuring even distribution of flavours.

Once you have a uniform mixture, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours. This resting time allows the flavours to meld together, enhancing the final taste of the kofta and also helps set the koftas.

Shaping the Kofta

After the mixture has rested, it’s time to form the kofta. With wet hands, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into oval balls or patties, approximately the size of a golf ball or smaller, depending on your preference.

This step can be a little messy but is quite enjoyable! Once you have shaped all the kofta, place them on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate again for a couple of hours.

Cooking the Chicken Kofta

To cook the chicken kofta, I recommend putting them into the air-fryer for approx 20 mins. I spray them with some olive oil and half way through turn them round.

These are so moist and soft. I love these. You can enjoy them as bite sized snacks if you're on the go.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your chicken kofta is cooked, it's time to enjoy it! There are loads of delicious ways to serve them. Here are a few favourites:

1. With Cauliflower Rice: Serve the kofta over a bed of cauliflower rice, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

   
   

2. In a Wrap: Wrap the kofta into one of my coconut flour flatbreads with fresh vegetables and a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce for a delightful wrap.

   
   

3. With Salad: Pair the kofta with a refreshing salad comprised of crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette for a light meal.

   
   

4. As Appetizers: Arrange the kofta as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering, accompanied by a flavourful dipping sauce.

   
   

No matter how you decide to serve them, these chicken kofta are going to be a winner.

Tips for Success

To help ensure your chicken kofta turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips:

• Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients gently, as overmixing can lead to tough kofta.

  
  

• Adjust Spices: Feel free to modify the spices based on your taste. If you love garlic, add an extra clove or two! I add in pestos and any combination of spices I feel like.

  
  

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices significantly elevate the flavour, so choose fresh whenever possible.

  
  

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the kofta mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great time-saver on busy days. Or freeze them.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Chicken kofta are a delicious and practical addition to a meal that fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. With the straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, it is a go-to recipe when I need something quick yet fulfilling.

Whether you enjoy it as a salad, in a wrap, or on their own, these chicken kofta are sure to impress everyone around your table. I hope you try this recipe and savour the delightful flavours of homemade chicken kofta. Happy cooking!