If you are craving a dish bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe. Juicy, spiced ground chicken is grilled to perfection on skewers and complemented by a cool, refreshing mint yogurt sauce that balances the heat from harissa beautifully. This recipe brings a fantastic harmony of smoky, spicy, and fresh tastes that feels like a warm hug from the Middle East right on your plate, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold yet approachable dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with ground meat is placed near the top center of the image. Surrounding it are various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: a brown egg and a whole pale yellow onion to the right, a bright yellow lemon beside a white bowl full of light brown breadcrumbs, and a large bunch of fresh green mint leaves at the bottom right. At the bottom left, there is a bunch of fresh parsley with vibrant green leaves, next to a small square white dish with creamy white yogurt inside. A glass container filled with golden olive oil is near the top left, while a small blue plate with four different powdered spices—red, light brown, and beige—is placed below the meat. Next to it, a small wooden bowl with white salt and a tiny wooden spoon added for scale. Finally, a round white plate near the center bottom holds two garlic cloves, black pepper inside a hollowed onion slice, and two dollops of red paste sauces, one dark and one bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe, as each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic herbs to the spices and creamy sauce components, everything comes together effortlessly.

Ground chicken: The star protein bringing lean, tender meat with a mild flavor that carries spices well.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the kofta together and keep them juicy, use gluten-free if preferred.
White onion: Grated freshly, the onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness essential for depth.
Garlic: Minced or grated, it delivers that irresistible pungent kick foundational to Mediterranean cooking.
Fresh parsley and mint: Bright herbs that add freshness and a slightly herbal, cooling note.
Harissa: A fiery North African chili paste that gives these kebabs their distinctive spicy heat.
Tomato paste: Adds a touch of richness and umami to balance out the spices.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the kebabs firm and intact on the skewers.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to moisten and flavor both kofta and sauce with fruity richness.
Ground coriander, cumin, and sweet paprika: Classic warm spices that layer in earthiness and smoky sweetness.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
Greek yogurt: The base of our cooling sauce, creamy, tangy, and thick.
Lemon zest: Adds bright, citrus notes for freshness in the yogurt sauce.

How to Make Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Kofta Mixture

Start by soaking bamboo skewers in water to prevent burning. Next, in a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, freshly chopped parsley and mint, harissa paste tuned to your heat preference, tomato paste, egg, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season generously with ground coriander, cumin, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until just combined and allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the yogurt sauce. This resting time helps all the flavors marry perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Mint Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh mint, and lemon zest. Season with kosher salt to taste and drizzle in a bit of olive oil for a velvety finish. This cooling sauce is the perfect contrast to the spicy, grilled chicken skewers and adds a delightful herbal brightness with every bite.

Step 3: Shape the Kofta Kebabs

Wet your hands or wear gloves to prevent sticking and start molding generous portions of the chicken mixture around each skewer. Use your fingers to squeeze and shape the meat evenly from bottom to top, making thick, finger-like kebabs. This step requires a gentle but firm touch to ensure they hold together during grilling and cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Kofta Kebabs

Preheat your grill or indoor griddle, and oil the surface to keep the koftas from sticking. Place the chicken kebabs directly over medium-high heat and grill covered, turning every 8 to 10 minutes until they are nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked through. The scents of the spices and harissa intensify as you grill, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible. If cooking indoors, using foil can help retain heat and moisture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the grilled koftas on a serving platter and drizzle some of the mint yogurt sauce on top for an inviting presentation. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping so everyone can enjoy the spicy and cooling flavors together in every bite.

How to Serve Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A white plate with a blue rim holds two grilled meat skewers, each with visible dark grill marks and topped with small white dollops of sauce. To the right of the skewers is a piece of lightly browned flatbread, torn unevenly. Below the skewers, there is a small portion of fresh salad made of diced green cucumber, red tomato, and purple onion, mixed with green herbs and black pepper sprinkled on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a partial view of a bowl with more of the same salad and a glass of light-colored liquid beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe, fresh garnishes like additional chopped mint, parsley, or thinly sliced red onions add vibrant color and a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of olive oil can also bring a subtle tang and shine to the plate, making the dish even more appealing.

Side Dishes

These koftas pair wonderfully with classic Mediterranean sides such as warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a crisp tabbouleh salad. Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad, provide textural contrast and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the kebabs over a bed of fluffy rice or inside warm flatbreads for handheld kebabs, turned into vibrant wraps. Layer in crunchy pickles, slivers of red onion, and a generous smear of the mint yogurt sauce for a handheld treat perfect for casual gatherings or picnic lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe, store the grilled koftas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the yogurt sauce separately to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked kofta mixture formed on skewers by wrapping them well in plastic and foil, freezing for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Cooked koftas can also be frozen, but fresh grilled texture is always best.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the koftas gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long as it can dry out the meat. Refresh the mint yogurt sauce by stirring before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground nuts for binding, and you’re good to go without compromising flavor or texture.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I reduce the harissa?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of harissa to your taste or substitute it with a mild chili paste for less heat. The yogurt sauce will also help cool the spice naturally.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground lamb or beef can be used instead of chicken for a richer flavor. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to suit the meat you prefer.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the mint yogurt sauce?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for tahini sauce or a dairy-free yogurt to keep the creamy texture and tanginess while accommodating dietary preferences.

How do I know when the kofta are fully cooked?

Chicken koftas should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be nicely charred on the outside and no longer pink in the center when sliced.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something that feels special but comes together without fuss. The blend of spicy, fresh, and creamy elements is simply irresistible and guaranteed to impress at your next dinner. Give it a try — I promise this dish will bring so much joy to your table.

Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe