What does 'kofta' mean?

While the word “kofta” is believed to have originated in Iran, there are also other variations of the word found in other countries. Such as the Persian word, Kufte. Translated it means 'pounded meat' or 'finely chopped meat'. Although the spices added can vary by country and culture, they are all made from a ground meat of some kind.

What is chicken kofta made of?

Chicken kofta is made of ground chicken that is mixed with lots of fresh herbs, spices, onion, and breadcrumbs/egg to bind. The mixture is formed into ovals similar to a meatball.

What does chicken kofta taste like?

The flavors of chicken kofta depends not he herbs and spices added. It typically has a fresh flavor from the herbs that complements the warm spices (cumin, cardamom, allspice, and sometimes cinnamon) added.

What is the difference between kafta and kofta?

In Lebanon, the dish is called Kofta but it is called Kofta in other Middle Eastern countries. Both kofta and kafta are similar to a meatball but with Middle Easter spices and herbs added.

Best Chicken Kofta | Kathleen's Cravings

Name: Best Chicken Kofta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 egg; 1 small white onion, grated; 1-2 minced garlic cloves; 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; Oil - for greasing pan or grill

Best Chicken Kofta

grilled chicken kofta in bowl with couscous

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Chicken Kofta is tender, packed with flavor, and easy to make. Combine ground chicken, fresh herbs, spices, and a few simple ingredients that is then formed into oval patties before grilling or baking. It is a common item in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and is great served with couscous, pita, hummus, and more!

Author: Kathleen
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main
Method: Grill, Oven
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 egg
1 small white onion, grated
1-2 minced garlic cloves
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Oil - for greasing pan or grill

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Instructions

Preheat - Either preheat the grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Mix Chicken Mixture - In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix together. It's easiest to do this with your hands. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Form Kofta - Use your hands (it's easiest if you wet them) and form the mixture into oval shaped patties. I made 12. If making kabobs, skewer the kofta onto metal skewers or water-soaked wooden skewers. You may need to press them back together to fix their shape. Place them on a baking sheet or plate and set in the fridge for a few minutes until ready to cook.
Grill - To cook on the grill, start by greasing the grill grates with cooking oil. I use an oiled paper towel and tongs to do this. Place each kofta skewer (or the individual patties) over direct heat. Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. The kofta should release easily from the grill. Be careful turning them - I use a spatula to gently flip them over vs picking up the skewer as they are fragile until cooked. Kofta is done when they are lightly browned on both sides and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
OR Bake in the Oven - To bake in the oven, place the skewers of kofta patties onto a lightly greased baking sheet (have space in between). Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned and have an internal temp of 165 degrees F.
Serve - Allow to rest for just a few minutes then serve with your sides of choice such as couscous, pita bread, hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, and more.

Notes

Fresh Herbs - The fresh herbs add so much flavor and freshness, but you can adjust the amounts used. Don't like mint? Omit and add more parsley. Love mint? Add more and cut back on the parsley!

Other Ground Meat - Instead of chicken, you can also make kofta using ground beef, ground lamb, or even ground turkey.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 kofta
Calories: 276
Sugar: 1.7 g
Sodium: 343.6 mg
Fat: 14.7 g
Carbohydrates: 12.9 g
Fiber: 1.4 g
Protein: 23.5 g
Cholesterol: 142.8 mg

Keywords: Chicken Kofta, Mediterranean Chicken, Grilled Chicken Kofta

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