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.
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.
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
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Chicken Koftas
- In a bowl, mix all kofta ingredients until well combined.
- Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).
- Place on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes (helps hold shape).
2. Prepare the Curry
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pan.
- Add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato puree, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
- Lower heat and stir in whisked yogurt (or coconut milk) slowly.
3. Cook the Kofta Curry
- Add water or chicken stock to the curry base and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gently drop the chicken koftas into the curry.
- Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until koftas are fully cooked and tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
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.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with naan, paratha, or chapati.
- Serve over jeera rice or biryani rice.
- Add a side of cucumber raita or salad.
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.
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.
You May Also Like
- [Butter Chicken Recipe]
- [Chicken Korma Recipe]
- [Pakistani Chicken Biryani Recipe]
- [Lamb Kofta Curry Recipe]
- [Chana Masala Recipe]
👉 Try this Chicken Kofta Curry recipe at home and enjoy tender meatballs in a flavorful, creamy curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan!
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