By Gary 
Chicken Koftas: A Flavorful Family Dinner
Perfect for a family of five, these Chicken Koftas bring a burst of flavor to your dining table. This recipe melds aromatic herbs and spices with succulent ground chicken to create a meal that is both memorable and delicious. Whether you choose to broil, grill, or air-fry, these koftas are sure to please everyone at the table.
This recipe feeds a family of 5.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
– 1 and 1/4 cups sweet onion, coarsely chopped
– 1 and 1/4 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, packed
– 5/8 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
Flavor Enhancers
– 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 2 and 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
– 1 and 1/4 jalapeño chile, stemmed and coarsely chopped
Protein and Base
– 1 and 1/4 pounds lean ground chicken (8% fat)
– 5/16 cup dry breadcrumbs or cornmeal
Binding Agents
– 1 and 1/4 large eggs (use one whole egg and about 1/4 of another)
Seasonings
– 2 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 and 9/16 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground coriander
– 1 and 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Oils
– 2 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional Required Items
– Cooking spray for coating
Preparation
Gather all the ingredients to streamline the process and ensure you have everything needed.
Processing Ingredients
Using a food processor, finely chop the onion, cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño by pulsing them until well incorporated, roughly 10 times. Transfer the mixture to a kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent the koftas from becoming mushy.
Combined Mixing
Place the squeezed mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add in the ground chicken, breadcrumbs or cornmeal, olive oil, egg, garlic powder, salt, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until thoroughly combined.
Shaping Koftas
With slightly wet or gloved hands, shape the mixture into approximately 15 cylinders, each about 3×1-1/2 inches in size. Arrange the koftas on a baking sheet. For grilling, consider forming them around skewers for easy handling.
Cooking Options
To Broil
Preheat your oven broiler and position the rack about 7 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray. Arrange koftas in a single layer, ensuring they are 2 inches apart, and apply cooking spray over them. Broil them, turning halfway through, until they are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 8 minutes.
To Grill
Heat your grill to a medium temperature, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the skewered koftas on oiled grates, grilling them covered and turning every 2 minutes. Cook until they are charred and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 8 minutes. As an alternative, you can use an oiled grill pan on medium-high heat, grilling the koftas uncovered, flipping them every 2 minutes, for about 10 minutes until they are charred and fully cooked.
To Air-fry
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2 minutes. Lightly spray the koftas with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air-fry them, flipping after 4 minutes, ensuring they brown evenly and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), for about 8 minutes.
Conclusion
Serve the Chicken Koftas with your favorite sides such as a refreshing salad, warm pita bread, or a tangy yogurt sauce. These aromatic and flavorful koftas are sure to be a hit, providing a delightful culinary adventure for your family meal. Enjoy the harmonious blend of spices and herbs that make this dish delightful and satisfying!
Alex Harrington