Description
This Chicken Kofta Kebab recipe features spiced ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs, grated onion, garlic, and bulgur wheat, shaped onto skewers and grilled over hot coals. The koftas are juicy, flavorful, and perfect served with flatbread and tzatziki for an authentic Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Kofta Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Chicken
- 1/2 Yellow Onion (grated and drained of liquid)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (minced)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Fine Bulgar Wheat (or substitute with 1 tbsp almond flour or breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo Pepper
Instructions
- Making the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion (make sure to drain excess liquid), minced garlic, chopped parsley, tomato paste, bulgur wheat, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. This allows the bulgur wheat to absorb excess moisture and for the flavors to meld together, improving texture and taste.
- Shape the Kebabs: Lightly oil your hands or moisten them with water to prevent sticking. Divide the chicken mixture into 4 to 5 equal portions. Take one portion and mold it around a skewer into a long oval or sausage shape roughly 4 to 5 inches in length, pressing firmly but gently to hold the shape. If the mixture feels too soft, place shaped kebabs on a tray and chill for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Light your charcoal grill and wait until the coals are hot and glowing red, providing direct high heat suitable for grilling the koftas.
- Grill the Kofta Kebabs: Place the skewers directly over the hot coals. Grill each side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until the exterior is nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the grill and serve the kofta kebabs immediately. Pair them with warm flatbread, tzatziki sauce, or a fresh cucumber salad to complete this flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- If the kofta mixture is too soft to handle, chilling the shaped kebabs in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before grilling helps firm them up.
- Substitute bulgur wheat with almond flour or breadcrumbs if you prefer a gluten-free or different texture.
- Using fresh parsley enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with cilantro or mint for a different aromatic profile.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to safely cook ground chicken.
- Serve with accompaniments like flatbread, tzatziki, or cucumber salad for a complete meal experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
