This Chicken Kofta Kebab is a bit lighter than the traditional lamb or beef versions but no less assertive in terms of flavor. Harrisa, a North African chili paste, not only adds heat but also smoky, citrusy, garlicky depth. Warming spices like cumin and coriander play off these savory notes. Finally, a garlic and mint yogurt sauce keeps things in-check with a cooling, refreshing finish. It’s very typically Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern comfort food that happens to be rather healthy. Kofta, also spelled “Kofte,” loosely translates to “meatballs.” It’s a catch-all term for ground beef, lamb, chicken, fish, and even lentils that are mixed with spices and herbs and formed into a number of shapes, from little football-like orbs for the vegan Turkish lentil kofte Mercimek Köftesi, to the long beef and lamb skewers for the famous Kofta Kebabs. Making Kofta is a tried and true formula for taking a humble ingredient (ground meat or legumes) and making it next-level delicious. Pantry staples, fresh herbs, and a good amount of garlic do the heavy lifting, and suddenly the ground chicken you thawed from your freezer tastes like your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. Magic!
Ingredients for Chicken Kofta Kebab
The ingredient list may seem a bit long, but it’s mostly Mediterranean pantry must-haves, many of which you can stock up on at our shop. You’ll need:
Produce and Perishables
Ground chicken: A neutral base to load with big Mediterranean flavor. Onion: I like the boldness of white onion, but any color you have will work. Garlic: Adds sweet and savory flavor to both the meat and the garlicky yogurt sauce. Herbs: Parsley and mint bring freshness to balance the deep savory flavors. Egg: Binds the kofta mixture so it doesn’t fall apart. Greek yogurt: I prefer the richness of whole milk Greek yogurt, but low-fat is also an option. Lemon zest: Adds an aromatic quality to the Mint Yogurt Sauce.
Pantry
Breadcrumbs or gluten free breadcrumbs: Absorb and retain moisture as the meatballs cook so the meat doesn’t dry out. Harissa: Adds big Mediterranean flavor in just a spoonful (see “Ingredient Spotlight” below for more). Tomato paste: Adds an umami quality to the meatballs. Extra virgin olive oil: Enriches the Mint Yogurt Sauce and helps to bind the meatballs. I like our Spanish Nocellara’s peppery note for this recipe, but any high quality extra virgin variety you have on hand will work. Spices: Coriander, cumin, paprika, and black pepper add the earthy, warming–very classically Mediterranean–flavor profile. Salt makes everything more vibrant.
Ingredient Spotlight
The star flavor-maker in this Chicken Kofta Kebab is harissa paste, a fiery North African pantry staple that’s so much more than a hot sauce. With layers of citrus, smoke, aromatic warming spices and a good heat from the ground chili peppers, it adds a complex kick to everything it touches. Use just like a hot sauce, for meat marinades, on your morning eggs, sandwiches, the list goes on!
TRY IT: Make your own, or try our favorite harissa paste at our spice shop. I love this Moroccan-style Harissa Paste if you like a milder kick, or this Tunisian Harissa if you can handle the heat. BEST SUBSTITUTE: Harissa has a distinctly smoky, citrusy flavor profile that’s hard to match, but in a pinch you can use any chili paste or hot sauce you like (like Sriracha).
Swaps and Substitutions
If you love this recipe, make it on repeat and tweak it to keep things interesting. Some ideas:
Ground chicken: Lamb, beef, pork, or a combination. Herbs: I wouldn’t recommend dried herbs here—you really need the freshness to lift the savory flavor. But you can use any tender green herbs you prefer, like dill or cilantro (or extra parsley in place of mint, extra mint in place of parsley, you get the idea). Mint Yogurt Sauce: Swap with Tahini Sauce for dairy-free option. Lemon Zest: Lime zest. Tomato paste: Turkish Red Pepper Paste.
How to Make Chicken Kofta Kebab
An outdoor grill is a special treat, but I made this dish on a rainy day so I used my cast iron griddle (I use this one). You could even make it in a cast iron pan, or bake them if you prefer. Here are the steps:
Soak the skewers. If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak 6-8 in water for at least 30 minutes. Make the chicken kofta mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 small grated onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1 to 2 tablespoons harissa, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 egg, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the mixture is well combined, then set in your fridge to bind while you make your yogurt sauce. Prepare the Mint Yogurt Sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, zest of 1 lemon, salt to taste, and a small drizzle of olive oil. Whisk well. Preheat the grill. Oil the outdoor grill or indoor griddle to prevent sticking, then set to medium heat. Form the chicken kofta kebabs. With damp hands or gloves, shape the chicken mixture onto the skewers by squeezing a big fistful onto the bottom of the skewer, then working your way up until it’s even throughout (see the video below for reference). Grill the kebabs. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the kebabs to your grill over direct heat. Closs the lid and grill until the chicken is cooked and charred in some parts, 8 to 10 minutes on each side. (Adjust heat and time as needed.) Transfer to a serving platter and tent with foil as you make the yogurt sauce. Serve. Uncover the kebabs and drizzle a bit of the yogurt on top. Serve with the remaining yogurt on the side.
What to Serve with Chicken Kofta Kebab
One of my favorite things about Mediterranean Mezzes is they’re meant to scoop, mix, and combine, each building on the other and fitting in together like old friends. I happened to make a Shirazi Salad to go alongside, but any number of classic tomato salads would work well. My go-to Cucumber Tomato Salad, Shopska Salad, or Tabouli all come to mind, but you really can’t go wrong with something fresh and colorful on your plate. Also, in my professional experience, no one has ever complained about Fresh Pita Bread. Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
Grilled Chicken Kofta
Baked Kofta Pita Sandwich
Kofta Kebab Recipe (with video)
Kofta-Seasoned Ground Beef Pita Sandwich
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