The Ultimate Chicken Koftas Recipe: Moist, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly tender, aromatic chicken kofta, its exterior lightly charred from the grill and its interior bursting with the fresh flavors of cilantro, mint, and warm spices. That’s exactly what this Chicken Koftas recipe delivers. A fantastic alternative to traditional beef kebabs, these koftas are a celebration of lean protein and vibrant herbs. Whether you’re planning a lively summer barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe is incredibly versatile. With simple instructions for broiling, grilling, or air-frying, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen, no matter the weather or your equipment.

This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your koftas are perfectly moist and packed with flavor. We’ll also explore serving suggestions, storage tips, and answer all your frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and create a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Koftas Recipe

This recipe is a standout for numerous reasons, making it a reliable go-to for any home cook.

• Unbeatable Versatility: Can’t fire up the grill? No problem.
• This recipe provides foolproof methods for broiling in the oven or using an air fryer, ensuring you can enjoy these koftas year-round. They are the perfect healthy grilling recipe for summer and an easy oven-baked meal for winter.
• Explosion of Aromatic Flavors: The combination of fresh cilantro, mint, ginger, and garlic creates a bright, fragrant base. Warm spices like cumin and coriander add a deep, savory complexity that elevates the humble ground chicken into something truly special.
• Health-Conscious and Satisfying: Made with lean ground chicken, these koftas are a fantastic high-protein, low-carb option. They are naturally nutritious without sacrificing an ounce of flavor, making them ideal for those following a healthy eating plan.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: These koftas reheat beautifully, making them a fantastic option for weekly meal prep. Cook a batch on Sunday and enjoy them in salads, wraps, or with sides for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients for Chicken Koftas Recipe

 

 

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to the vibrant flavor of these koftas.

The Aromatic Base:

• 1 cup sweet onion, coarsely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup cilantro leaves, packed (with tender stems): Adds a fresh, citrusy note.
• ½ cup mint leaves, packed: Brings a cool, refreshing balance.
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed: For essential pungent depth.
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, coarsely chopped: Delivers a warm, spicy kick.
• 1 jalapeño, stemmed and chopped: Adjust to your preferred spice level.

The Kofta Binder and Seasoning:

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably 8-10% fat): The lean base of the recipe. A little fat helps keep them moist.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal: Acts as a binder to hold the koftas together. Cornmeal is a great gluten-free alternative.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 large egg: Essential for binding the ingredients.
• 2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor.
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt: If using table salt, reduce slightly.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Provides an earthy warmth.
• 1 tsp ground coriander: Has a slight citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with cilantro.
• 1 tsp black pepper: For a touch of heat.

For Cooking:

• Cooking spray: (Avocado or olive oil spray works well) to prevent sticking and promote browning.

How to Make Chicken Koftas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Mixture

This step is crucial for building the flavor foundation.

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the coarsely chopped sweet onion, cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño.
2. Pulse the mixture about 10 times (in one-second pulses) until everything is finely chopped. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste.
3. Transfer the chopped mixture onto a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of cheesecloth. Gather the edges and twist tightly over the sink to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is the secret to preventing soggy koftas and ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Kofta Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed-out herb and onion mixture with the ground chicken, breadcrumbs (or cornmeal), olive oil, egg, and all the spices: garlic powder, salt, cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
2. Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients gently until they are just evenly combined. Do not overmix! Overworking the meat can make the koftas tough and dense.

Step 3: Shape the Koftas

1. Moisten your hands with a little water or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
2. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a cylinder about 3 inches long and 1 ½ inches thick, resembling a small log.
3. Place the shaped koftas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you plan to grill them on skewers, gently mold the mixture around presoaked wooden or metal skewers.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Koftas

Broiler Method (Oven)

This is a great year-round option that gives a nice browned finish.

1. Preheat: Set your oven’s broiler to high and position a rack about 7 inches from the heat source.
2. Prepare Pan: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and coat it generously with cooking spray.
3. Arrange: Place the koftas on the sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
4. Cook: Lightly spray the tops of the koftas with cooking spray. Broil for 4 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Broil for another 3-4 minutes, or until the outside is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Total time is approximately 8 minutes.

Grill Method (Outdoor or Grill Pan)

For that classic smoky, charred flavor.

1. Preheat: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F / 175-200°C). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Grill: Place the koftas directly on the oiled grates. Grill for about 8 minutes total, flipping them every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
3. Check Temperature: The koftas are done when they are charred in spots and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Grill Pan Alternative: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Lightly oil the pan and cook the koftas for about 10 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes, until cooked through.

Air-Fryer Method For The Chicken Koftas Recipe

For a quick, crispy result with less oil.

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 2 minutes.
2. Arrange: Lightly spray the koftas with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring some space between them for air circulation (you may need to cook in batches).
3. Cook: Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping the koftas halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for the Best Chicken Koftas Recipe

• Control the Heat: The recipe calls for one jalapeño. For mild koftas, remove the seeds and ribs. For more heat, leave them in or add an extra half jalapeño.
• Keep Them Tender: The cardinal rule of working with ground meat: mix until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough, rubbery koftas.
• Ensure Proper Cooking: Always preheat your cooking surface—whether it’s the grill, broiler, or air fryer. This ensures a good sear and even cooking.
• Use a Thermometer: The most accurate way to know if your koftas are done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for poultry.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

 

Serving Your Chicken Koftas: These koftas are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with a side of creamy Garlic Aioli or a cool Tzatziki sauce for dipping.
• In a Pita or Wrap: Tuck them into warm pita bread with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
• As a Main Course: Plate them alongside a fresh salad, like a tabbouleh or Greek salad, and some lemon rice or couscous.
• For Breakfast: Crumble leftover koftas over a breakfast hash or alongside some scrambled eggs.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Allow cooked koftas to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Both cooked and uncooked koftas freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, air fryer, or skillet until warmed through. This helps maintain their texture better than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute. Just ensure it’s not ultra-lean (93/7 works well) to maintain moisture.

Q2: My koftas are falling apart. What did I do wrong? A: This usually happens for two reasons: 1) Not enough binder (ensure you’re using the correct amount of breadcrumbs and egg), or 2) You didn’t squeeze enough liquid out of the herb and onion mixture. Squeezing thoroughly is a non-negotiable step.

Q3: Are these koftas gluten-free? A: Yes, if you use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q4: Can I make the mixture ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the kofta mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. This can even help the flavors meld together.

Q5: What’s the best way to shape the koftas? A: Moisten your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking. Gently roll and shape the mixture—don’t pack it too tightly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 353
• Total Fat: 21g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Cholesterol: 168mg
• Sodium: 555mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 963mg

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based

Conclusion

This Chicken Koftas recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create an extraordinary meal. The method of processing fresh herbs and aromatics into the meat ensures every bite is infused with flavor, while the flexible cooking options make it accessible to everyone. It’s a healthy, protein-packed dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to entertaining guests.

We encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with the spices, adjust the heat, and enjoy them in your favorite way.

Share Your Creations!

We’d love to see your culinary masterpiece! Did you grill them to perfection or get a beautiful sear in your air fryer? Share your photos and experiences with us! Tag your photos with #ChickenKoftas #GrillRecipes #HealthyEating on Instagram or Facebook so we can celebrate your success with you.

on specific ingredients used.