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Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 29 reviews

Experience bold Mediterranean flavors with these spicy Chicken Kofta Kebabs, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing Garlic-Mint Yogurt Sauce. This recipe combines ground chicken with fragrant herbs, harissa, and spices for a flavorful main dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or indoor griddling. The cooling yogurt sauce balances the heat beautifully, making it a crowd-pleasing entree that’s easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For The Harissa Chicken Kofta Kebabs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1 small white onion, grated (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons harissa (adjust for spiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 egg
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and grilling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

For The Mint Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (small drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Make Kofta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, harissa, tomato paste, egg, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with ground coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Chill in the fridge to let the mixture bind while preparing the sauce.
  3. Prepare Mint Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated garlic, chopped mint, lemon zest, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  4. Preheat Grill: Oil your outdoor grill or indoor griddle to prevent sticking and heat over medium heat.
  5. Form Kebabs: With damp hands or gloves, shape the chicken mixture onto the soaked skewers. Squeeze a generous fist-full at the bottom near the skewer point, evenly forming the meat upward along the skewer.
  6. Grill Kebabs: Increase heat to medium-high. Place the kebabs on the grill over direct heat. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has some charred spots. If grilling indoors, use foil to cover. Adjust heat and timing as necessary.
  7. Serve: Transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Drizzle some Mint Yogurt Sauce over the kebabs and serve with the remaining sauce on the side.

Notes

  • To prevent skewers from burning, always soak bamboo skewers in water before grilling.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option with similar flavor, substitute the Mint Yogurt Sauce with tahini sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of harissa to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Grate the onion finely for better binding and moisture in kofta.
  • For even cooking, make sure kebabs are shaped evenly around the skewers.
  • Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor in both kofta and yogurt sauce.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/chicken-kofta-kebabs-with-harissa-and-mint-yogurt-sauce-recipe/