What is grilled chicken kafta?

Grilled chicken kafta is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground chicken mixed with herbs like parsley and mint, spices such as Aleppo pepper, coriander, and cumin, shaped onto skewers or patties, and grilled. It is a lighter alternative to traditional lamb or beef kafta.

How do I make chicken kafta from scratch?

To make chicken kafta, combine ground chicken with grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley and mint, spices including Aleppo pepper, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well, form into patties or skewer-shaped logs, chill, then grill for 4-5 minutes each side until fully cooked.

What are the best spices to use in chicken kafta?

Aleppo pepper flakes, ground coriander, cumin, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper are common spices in chicken kafta. These spices create a warm, mildly spicy flavor profile. For alternatives, dried mint or dill can add fresh herbal notes.

Can I grill chicken kafta indoors?

Yes, chicken kafta can be grilled on an indoor grill pan or cooked on a griddle over medium-high heat. Make sure to grease the cooking surface and cook the kafta carefully for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 1656F (756C).

How long should chicken kafta cook on the grill?

Chicken kafta normally cooks for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The internal temperature should reach 1656F (756C) to ensure it is safely cooked while remaining juicy.

What can I serve with grilled chicken kafta?

Chicken kafta pairs well with warm pita bread, rice pilaf, fresh salads such as tabbouleh or fattoush, and dips like tzatziki, hummus, or baba ganoush. Roasted vegetables and pickled sides also complement the dish.

Can I bake chicken kafta instead of grilling it?

Yes, chicken kafta can be baked in a preheated oven at 3506F for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly. Baking is a convenient alternative that still yields moist and flavorful results.

How do I keep chicken kafta moist and prevent it from falling apart?

Use soaked bread or breadcrumbs and an egg to bind the mixture. Wetting your hands before shaping helps prevent sticking. Chilling the formed kaftas for 15-20 minutes before cooking allows them to firm up and hold their shape during grilling.

Can I store and freeze chicken kafta?

Chicken kafta keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For freezing, portion uncooked kafta onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before cooking.

Grilled Chicken Kafta Kabobs: Quick Mediterranean Delight

Name: Quick & Easy Grilled Chicken Kofta Kabobs: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
Prep time: PT-494272H16M29S
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: PT-494273H46M29S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 small piece of sliced sandwich bread (whole wheat or gluten-free); 1 ½ pounds ground chicken (or turkey for substitution); 1 small onion, grated (about ½ cup); 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (or 1 teaspoon dried mint flakes); 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons Aleppo-style pepper flakes (or mix of ancho chili powder and red pepper flakes); 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 raw egg (optional for binding); 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko style); 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

1 small piece of sliced sandwich bread (whole wheat or gluten-free)
1 ½ pounds ground chicken (or turkey for substitution)
1 small onion, grated (about ½ cup)
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (or 1 teaspoon dried mint flakes)
1 to 1 ½ teaspoons Aleppo-style pepper flakes (or mix of ancho chili powder and red pepper flakes)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 raw egg (optional for binding)
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko style)
1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup (optional)

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Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden, then soak in water until tender. Squeeze out excess water and crumble into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, use breadcrumbs.
2. Add ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and mint, Aleppo-style pepper, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, olive oil, and tomato paste if using. Mix fully until the mixture achieves a dough-like consistency.
3. Wet hands slightly with water or oil and form the mixture into 8 oval patties or logs for skewers. Insert skewers if desired, and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
4. Preheat and grease grill grates, indoor griddle, or skillet to medium-high heat.
5. Grill kofta for 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked, turning carefully with a spatula.
6. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with Aleppo pepper, alongside your choice of salads, rice, or other sides.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍗 Using lean ground chicken ensures a better texture; turkey can be used if preferred but may be drier.
🧅 Fresh white onion and garlic are key for an authentic flavor. Avoid using powders as substitutes when possible.
💧 Wetting hands when shaping the mixture prevents sticking; chilling helps maintain shape during cooking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 kofta patties
Calories: 385
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 110mg