Chicken Kofta Kebab
These chicken kofta kebabs are flavorful, succulent, and easy to prepare! They are hearty, healthy, and a great option for a chicken dish that is just fantastic. My family rarely made chicken kofta, as it isn’t as common in Middle Eastern cuisine. Often, we make kufta out of beef or lamb or a mixture of both. My beef kofta recipe is one of the most popular on my blog, so definitely check it out too!
How was I introduced to Chicken Kofta Kebab?
It wasn’t until our family grew that chicken kofta kebab was introduced to us. I’ve tried it at restaurants prior and always liked it, but my parents were skeptical until trying my sister-in-law’s mother’s chicken kofta kebab. It was spectacular, to say the least, and now my family always requests them, especially since they are leaner than the beef kofta we are accustomed to,
My sister-in-law is of Pakistani descent, and this dish is very common in South Asian cuisine. I am so happy I could Facetime with her lovely mom to make this recipe for you all! I hope I did her version justice. Promise that this chicken kofta kebab is worth trying. You can prep the chicken mixture days ahead of time and cook it on the stovetop, making it so convenient.
How to cook the Chicken Kofta:
- Pan-sear: This is the method in which I share in the recipe card. It is my preferred way of cooking the kufta. You can fit several in a pan and achieve a nice sear from the neutral oil I like. It also doesn’t take much time to cook.
- Air-Fry: This is a less hassle and messy way of cooking the chicken kofta without achieving much of the sear or slight oiliness from pan searing. You would air fry at 375 for about 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness and enjoy!
- Bake: You can also bake the chicken kofta, but this will take the most time and is probably the least convenient. I never baked them therefore can’t share the exact method, but it would be similar to air frying temperature-wise and possibly 5-10 minutes longer.
- Grilling: I imagine these would be great on the grill, and the flavor would be amazing, especially on a charcoal grill. However, the grill would need to be very clean and well-oiled so the kofta does not stick and fall apart as it is a looser mixture. I would refrigerate the kofta for a few hours before grilling so they are more firm.
Best way to enjoy this Chicken Kofta recipe:
I enjoy these kebabs wrapped with toum (garlic sauce) and fresh veggies like onions, cilantro, and pickled turnips. They are also fantastic to top off Arabic salad, Tahini Salad, or Fattoush for added protein or with a side of vermicelli rice,
If you try this recipe, please tag me on your Instagram so I can see it, and leave a comment below!
Chicken Kofta Kebab
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal Breadcrumbs are a substitute but I used cornmeal
- 1 Egg beaten
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 Jalapeno
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger
- 4 Garlic cloves
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro
- 1 White onion, small
- Vegetable oil, for pan searing
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and jalapeno until fine. Drain the excess liquid from this mixture so it does not add too much moisture to the chicken kufta mixture.
- Add this to the ground chicken along with all the seasonings, egg, and cormeal. Mix thoroughly.
- Place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to chill so it is easier to shape. You can even leave this for up to 4 days in the fridge before cooking.
- Shape into kebabs which is like a thick sausage in appearance. It may be easier to lightly wet your hands while shaping.
- In a hot pan with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil, add just enough kebabs to not overcrowd the pan. This is dependent on the size of the pan you are using. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat on each side until you have a golden brown sear and fully cooked through.
- Enjoy in a sandwich, on top of a salad, or with rice for a delicious meal!
Absolutely delicious!!! I’ll be making this again and again.
Love hearing that, Kate!
Such easy and extremely great tasting recipe!!! Definitely recommend it! 😍 and would go great with some chutney or yogurt sauce 😋
Glad you enjoyed it!
Perfect and simple recipe, turned out really well and very delicious. Tastes just like the kufta we get at our local Pakistani restaurant!
That is awesome, Nicole. Thanks for the review!
I’ve made this recipe twice already and will be one of my go to easy meals. It’s delicious with hummus and pita with a side of lentil soup and fattoush salad! Thanks Heifa!
I’m so happy to hear that, Mona, Ty!
So easy to make and delicious! I made it in the airfryer but followed everything except the cornmeal/breadcrumbs. It was so juicy and flavorful ❤️❤️
I am happy to hear that they worked out for you!
They look delicious! Can they be froze? If so, before or after frying?
Thank you
Hi Faizah, either or really but I prefer to shape them then freeze, defrost, and cook if I were to choose.
I really enjoyed making a different type of kefta that everyone can eat and enjoy. No one can resist this kefta! I made it for my family and some made sandwiches and others ate with rice. I love that it is so versatile. Thank you for putting together other recipes that aren’t necessarily traditional arab inspired dishes.
Yes! It is such a delicious and versatile kufta. I am glad it was enjoyed by the family.
These chicken kufta kebab were the best kebab I have ever had. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to eating meat kebabs after having these! Thank you for the beautiful recipe!
Such an amazing compliment, thanks, Dena!
Such an easy and delicous recipe! So convenient when you wanna make a quick dinner since it takes a little bit less than 20 mins to make! I like to serve it with rice and a nice salade for freshness! Thank you Heifa ♡
Thanks so much, Joanie!
Salam!
Any recommendations for baking these instead of pan-frying? I love an easy meal to throw in the oven vs. stove top!
I have been making these regularly since first trying. They are so easy to prep and turn out juicy and flavourful. I serve with bukhari rice, mint garlic yoghurt sauce and salad. I also love that I can make a large batch, cook and freeze for serving later 👌👌👌
Love this soooo much! Have always loved kufteh, but traditionally not made with chicken as we all know. As halal chicken breast is cheaper and more easily accessible than lamb/beef this was a no brainer.
Once I tried it-so delicious and easy. Has become a regular part of our dinner rotation. Keep it up Heifa 😘
so so yummy. I doubled the recipe. made kofta one day and burgers the next and froze some for easy lunches
This was a super delicious recipe! I too, didn’t grow up eating chicken kofta, but am always looking for new recipes with chicken, as it’s a learner choice. This one hit the spot and was so juicy!
I made this yesterday as I was looking for something healthier and simple to have for dinner. this recipe was easy to follow and came out delicious. entire family loved it. Will had to my list of recipes to make over and over again.