Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Kofta Skewers with Lemon-Dill Yogurt
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground chicken thigh
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 tsp sumac
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.