This Chicken Koftas recipe delivers moist, tender koftas infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you choose to broil, grill, or air-fry them, these koftas will be a delicious hit at any meal. With the perfect balance of garlic, ginger, fresh herbs, and warm spices, this dish works equally well for a family dinner or a summer barbecue.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Koftas Recipe
- Versatile Cooking Options: Cook them on the grill, under the broiler, or in an air fryer.
- Aromatic Flavors: Fresh mint, cilantro, and spices elevate the flavor.
- Healthy and High-Protein: Lean ground chicken makes these koftas both nutritious and satisfying.
Looking for more grilling inspiration? Check out our Cinnamon Belgian Waffles for a brunch pairing, or Easy Swedish Pancakes for a post-grill treat.
Ingredients for Chicken Koftas
- 1 cup sweet onion (coarsely chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro leaves (packed with tender stems)
- ½ cup mint leaves (packed)
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger (coarsely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (stemmed and chopped)
- 1 lb ground chicken (8% fat)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Make Chicken Koftas
1. Prepare the Herb Mixture
- In a food processor, combine onion, cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Pulse until finely chopped (10 one-second pulses).
- Transfer the mixture to a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.
2. Mix the Kofta Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed onion mixture, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, olive oil, egg, garlic powder, salt, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
3. Shape the Koftas
- With moistened hands, shape the chicken mixture into 12 cylinders (3×1 ½ inches). Place them on a baking sheet. For grilling, you can also shape them onto skewers.
Cooking Methods for Chicken Koftas
Broil Method
- Preheat the oven’s broiler and set a rack 7 inches from the heat source.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Place koftas 2 inches apart.
- Spray the koftas with cooking spray and broil, flipping halfway through, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—about 8 minutes.
Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- Place koftas on oiled grates and grill, flipping every 2 minutes, until charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—about 8 minutes.
- For an alternative, use a grill pan over medium-high heat, grilling the koftas for 10 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes.
Air-Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2 minutes.
- Spray koftas with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips for the Best Chicken Koftas Recipe
- Adjust the Spice: Add more or less jalapeño to control the heat.
- Keep Them Moist: Don’t overwork the meat when mixing to keep the koftas tender.
- Preheat Your Grill or Air Fryer: Ensures the koftas cook evenly with a nice char.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 353
- Total Fat: 21g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
- Cholesterol: 168mg
- Sodium: 555mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 3g)
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 66mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Potassium: 963mg
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Garlic Aioli: Perfect for dipping.
- Cinnamon Belgian Waffles: Great for weekend brunches.
- Breakfast Crepes: Sweet or savory, perfect any time.
Final Thoughts on This Chicken Koftas Recipe
This Chicken Koftas recipe is an easy, flavorful way to enjoy lean ground chicken. Whether you broil, grill, or air-fry them, these koftas are sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. Serve them with a side of garlic aioli for dipping or enjoy them in pita bread with fresh salad and yogurt sauce.
Share Your Creations!
We’d love to see your version of this Chicken Koftas recipe! Tag us with #ChickenKoftas #GrillRecipes #HealthyEating to show off your dish.