Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy ground chicken kofta infused with sumac and pomegranate molasses, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling lemon-dill yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 37 minutes pairs ground chicken thigh, fresh mint leaves, fresh parsley 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz ground chicken thigh, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 1 tsp sumac, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix gently with clean hands until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into 1-inch balls. Press each ball onto a skewer, leaving 1/2 inch between kofta to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add kofta skewers and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: While kofta cooks, whisk 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp chopped dill until smooth. Serve warm kofta with yogurt sauce drizzled over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt?

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 thigh from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt?

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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt 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.

What goes well with Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt?

Middle Eastern grilling 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.

What others are saying