Description
Enjoy flavorful Chicken Kofta Kebabs infused with bold Mediterranean spices and a touch of fiery harissa, perfectly balanced by a refreshing garlic-mint yogurt sauce. These grilled ground chicken skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue or a vibrant family dinner.
Ingredients
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, depending on spice preference
- 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
- Black pepper
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
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Chicken Kofta Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, harissa, tomato paste, egg, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with coriander, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Refrigerate to bind while preparing the yogurt sauce.
- Prepare Mint Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated garlic, chopped mint, lemon zest, kosher salt to taste, and a small drizzle of olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat Grill: Oil the outdoor grill grates or indoor griddle to prevent sticking. Heat over medium heat.
- Form Kofta Kebabs: With damp hands or gloves, shape the chicken mixture onto the skewers by pressing a generous amount onto the bottom, then working up evenly along the skewer, forming uniform kebabs.
- Grill Kebabs: Increase grill heat to medium-high. Place the kebabs over direct heat, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots. Adjust time and temperature as needed. If indoors, use foil to cover.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer cooked kebabs to a serving platter, tent with foil to keep warm. Drizzle some yogurt sauce over kebabs and serve remaining sauce alongside.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Soaking skewers is essential to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust harissa amount to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, these kebabs can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
- Allowing the mixture to chill before forming kebabs helps them hold together better while grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
