Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and pita bread. This middle eastern-inspired chicken (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, bulgur, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground chicken, 1/2 cup bulgur, 1/2 cup grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp coriander. Mix until well combined, then form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: For the sauce, whisk 1 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt. Serve meatballs with the sauce and warm pita bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Levantine Chicken Kofta with Yogurt Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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