Indulge in the delightful flavors of succulent chicken koftas paired with refreshing cucumbers and creamy yogurt. These tender and juicy koftas, made from a flavorful blend of minced chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, are grilled to perfection. Served alongside a crisp and tangy cucumber salad and a cooling yogurt sauce, this dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The cucumber salad, with its vibrant colors and light vinaigrette dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the koftas. The yogurt sauce, with its smooth and creamy texture, adds a cooling and tangy element that complements the bold flavors of the koftas. This delightful combination of chicken koftas, cucumber salad, and yogurt sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
GREEK CHICKEN WITH CUCUMBER-FETA SALAD
This meal has the flavors of a Greek combination plate with chicken souvlaki, Greek salad and tzatziki, but it is streamlined for the home cook. Boneless chicken thighs are coated with herby, garlicky yogurt, then seared until tender inside and crusty and browned outside. Extra yogurt dresses cucumbers and tomatoes that have had a chance to drain with salt so they taste their most vivid. Feta and olives add briny bites to the creamy, crunchy salad, but feel free to incorporate other elements of Greek salad or tzatziki, like romaine lettuce, bell peppers, mint or dill, toasted walnuts or thinly sliced red onion. Eat with lemon potatoes or toasted pita.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, easy, poultry, salads and dressings, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt and garlic; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer 1/2 cup of the yogurt to a medium bowl and reserve for Step 5.
- Coat the chicken: To the large bowl, add the oregano and stir to combine. Season the chicken all over with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add the chicken to the large bowl and turn to coat; set aside.
- Start the salad: Smash the cucumbers with the side of your knife until craggy and split. Rip into ½- to 1-inch pieces and transfer to a colander placed in the sink. Slice or chop the tomatoes into bite-size pieces. Add to the cucumbers along with 1 ½ teaspoons salt. (It may seem like a lot of salt, but most will drain away.) Toss to combine and leave to drain.
- In a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Scrape excess marinade off the chicken, then cook the chicken in batches, adding oil to the pan if necessary, until it's well browned and releases from the pan, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through, another 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to plates to rest. (For grilling info, see Tip.)
- To the medium bowl of yogurt, add the feta and mash with a fork until a chunky paste forms. Shake the cucumbers and tomatoes to get rid of any excess moisture. Add to the feta yogurt along with the olives and stir until coated. The balance is dependent on your produce and feta, so season to taste with salt and pepper until flavors are vivid. Eat alongside the chicken.
HERBY CHICKEN KOFTA MEATBALLS
This big batch of meatballs is inspired by kofta, the flavor-packed ground meat patties popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Stash them in your freezer so you always have the building blocks of a great meal. Try them simmered in tomato sauce, served over grains or greens, or packed into pita sandwiches with cucumbers, red onion, mint, and a tangy yogurt sauce.
Provided by David Tamarkin
Categories #cook90 Chicken Meatball Dinner Cumin Coriander Parsley Mint Garlic Poultry
Yield Makes 16
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Pulse yellow onions and garlic in a food processor until very finely chopped.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onion and garlic, season with 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, 10-15 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, and red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Scrape into a large bowl and let cool slightly.
- Wipe out food processor and add parsley and mint. Pulse until finely chopped, then transfer to bowl with onion mixture. Add chicken and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt to bowl with onion mixture. Mix with your hands to combine, but do not overwork. Divide into 16 equal portions (about 1/3 cup per kofta). Shape into 3 1/2x2" "footballs" with tapered ends.
- Arrange patties on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F, about 8 minutes per side.
- Do Ahead
- Kofta can be made 3 days ahead; transfer to an airtight container and chill, or freeze up to 6 months.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Make sure to season the chicken koftas generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
- Grill the koftas over medium-high heat so that they cook evenly and don't burn.
- Let the koftas rest for a few minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve the koftas with your favorite sides, such as cucumbers and yogurt, rice, or pita bread.
Conclusion:
Chicken koftas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this dish in no time. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and healthy meal, give chicken koftas a try.
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