Chicken Kofta (Ground Chicken Meatballs)
A quick and easy Chicken Kofta (or Ground Chicken Meatballs) recipe packed with spices and aromatics for fresh, fusion flavor. This recipe includes pan-frying, baking, and air-frying instructions.
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 25 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably thighs but breast is fine)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup very finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (GF or regular)
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese (finely chop if using shredded cheese)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced or crushed - sub 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 3/4-1 tsp red chili powder (sub crushed chili flakes or cayenne)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
- 1-1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (may vary depending on your cheese)
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp mint leaves (finely chopped)
Instructions
- 1
If baking, preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on the parchment or aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly grease the rack with baking spray. (If you don’t have a rack, lightly grease the parchment paper or aluminum.)
- 2
Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine, ensuring all the spices are mixed well. See Note 1 for taste testing.
- 3
Take about 2 tbsp of the mixture (I do this using a cookie scoop), and form into meatballs using slightly oiled hands.
- 4
To Bake: (See Note 2 for Air-fry and Pan-fry Options) Place onto the rack or directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Bake for 25-26 minutes (no need to turn), until golden on top. To get them brown on top, transfer the oven rack close to the heat source for 1 minute.
- 5
Garnish with cilantro. Serve with mint raita or your favorite chutney. For a complete meal, serve with pasta, veggies, rice, or salad. The options are endless!