chicken kofta curry recipe.

 

Chicken Kofta Curry Recipe (Authentic & Easy)

Chicken Kofta Curry is a delicious Indian-Pakistani dish made with juicy chicken meatballs (koftas) simmered in a rich, spiced curry sauce. Unlike traditional beef or lamb kofta, this version is lighter, healthier, and cooks faster while still being packed with authentic flavor.

In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make chicken kofta curry at home, with tips to keep the koftas soft and the curry flavorful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken meatballs.
• Rich curry sauce with bold spices.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.

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Ingredients for Chicken Kofta Curry

For the Chicken Kofta (Meatballs):

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 egg (for binding)
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• Salt to taste

For the Curry Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, blended (or 1 cup tomato puree)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup plain yogurt (whisked) or ½ cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water or chicken stock
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Chicken Koftas

1. In a bowl, mix all kofta ingredients until well combined.
2. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).
3. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes (helps hold shape).

2. Prepare the Curry

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large pan.
2. Add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato puree, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
5. Lower heat and stir in whisked yogurt (or coconut milk) slowly.

3. Cook the Kofta Curry

1. Add water or chicken stock to the curry base and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Gently drop the chicken koftas into the curry.
3. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until koftas are fully cooked and tender.
4. Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.

4. Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Kofta Curry

• Refrigerating or freezing koftas for a few minutes prevents them from breaking.
• Use ground chicken with some fat (not too lean) for softer koftas.
• Add cream or coconut milk for a richer curry.
• Avoid over-stirring after adding koftas to keep them intact.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with naan, paratha, or chapati.
• Serve over jeera rice or biryani rice.
• Add a side of cucumber raita or salad.

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Storage

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked kofta curry in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.

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FAQs about Chicken Kofta Curry

1. Can I bake or air-fry the koftas instead of cooking them in curry?
Yes, you can bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or air-fry until golden, then add to curry.

2. Why are my chicken koftas breaking?
Add enough binding (egg + breadcrumbs) and avoid stirring too much while cooking.

3. Can I make chicken kofta curry without yogurt?
Yes, use coconut milk or cream for a dairy-free option.

4. Is this curry spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust chili powder and green chili to taste.

5. Can I use turkey or lamb instead of chicken?
Yes, the same recipe works well with ground turkey, lamb, or beef.

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You May Also Like

• [Butter Chicken Recipe]
• [Chicken Korma Recipe]
• [Pakistani Chicken Biryani Recipe]
• [Lamb Kofta Curry Recipe]
• [Chana Masala Recipe]

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👉 Try this Chicken Kofta Curry recipe at home and enjoy tender meatballs in a flavorful, creamy curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan!