Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint Sauce

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

Minced chicken kofta seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing yogurt and mint sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 32 minutes pairs ground chicken, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1 small finely grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each around a soaked wooden skewer into elongated sausage shapes about 5 inches long.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the kofta with 2 tbsp olive oil and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth and chilled.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot chicken kofta immediately with the cool yogurt-mint sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint 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 ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint 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 Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Grilled Chicken Kofta with Yogurt and Mint Sauce?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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