Transform simple ground chicken into delicious, juicy kofta kebabs enriched with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. This easy recipe combines Middle Eastern flavors with a creamy herb sauce for a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken kofta kebabs offer the perfect balance of lean protein, vegetables, and aromatic spices, all brought together with a creamy herb sauce. The addition of grated vegetables keeps the kebabs moist and tender, while adding extra nutrition. Perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests!
Ingredients
For the Kofta:
- Chicken breast, minced: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Zucchini, grated: 200g (1 medium)
- Carrot, grated: 100g (1 medium)
- Onion, grated: 120g (1 small)
- Parsley, chopped: ¼ cup
- Garlic, grated: 1 tbsp (15g)
- White flour: 3 tbsp (45g)
- Vegetable oil: for searing
Spice Mix:
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- Sour cream or yogurt: ½ cup (120g)
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120g)
- Dried dill: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables (15 minutes):
- Grate vegetables:
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Onion
- Salt treatment:
- Mix grated vegetables with a pinch of salt
- Let sit for 10 minutes
- Squeeze out excess water using a strainer or clean kitchen towel
Making the Kofta Mixture (10 minutes):
- In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Squeezed vegetables
- Minced chicken breast
- Chopped parsley
- Grated garlic
- White flour
- All spices (salt, pepper, paprika, chili, cumin)
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
Shaping and Cooking (20 minutes):
- Shape the patties:
- Wet hands to prevent sticking
- Form equal-sized patties
- Make them about 1/2 inch thick
- Cook the kofta:
- Heat oil in pan over medium heat
- Cook 4-5 minutes per side
- Look for golden-brown color
- Cook in batches if needed
Preparing the Sauce (5 minutes):
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Dried herbs
- Vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Mix until smooth and creamy
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
Time Requirements:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Vegetable Preparation:
- Use the fine side of the grater
- Squeeze vegetables thoroughly to remove moisture
- Don’t skip the salting step
- Perfect Patties:
- Keep hands wet while shaping
- Make uniform sizes for even cooking
- Don’t make them too thick
- Cooking Success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Maintain medium heat
- Let pan reheat between batches
- Sauce Enhancement:
- Make sauce ahead for better flavor
- Adjust herbs to taste
- Use full-fat dairy for richness
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Options:
- Ground turkey
- Mix of chicken and turkey
- Ground beef
- Vegetable Alternatives:
- Grated butternut squash
- Grated sweet potato
- Finely chopped spinach
- Sauce Variations:
- Use Greek yogurt for tangier taste
- Add grated cucumber for tzatziki style
- Include fresh herbs instead of dried
- Spice Adjustments:
- Add sumac for authenticity
- Include za’atar
- Adjust heat level with chili
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Shape patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze the kofta?
A: Yes, freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
Q: Why add flour to the mixture?
A: Flour helps bind ingredients and absorb excess moisture.
Q: Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes, grill on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Cooked kofta: up to 3 days
- Uncooked mixture: up to 24 hours
- Sauce: up to 5 days
- Freezing:
- Freeze uncooked patties
- Separate with parchment paper
- Store up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Reheating:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes
- Skillet: Low heat until warmed through
Serving Suggestions:
- In pita bread
- Over rice
- With fresh salad
- On flatbread
- With roasted vegetables
- In lettuce wraps
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Meal prep
- Party appetizers
- Sandwich filling
- Light lunches
- Mediterranean feast
