Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe! It’s one of those dishes that truly brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken mixed with fresh herbs and spices, all draped in a creamy, tangy tahini sauce—seriously, it hits all the right notes. I’ve made this recipe countless times, especially for casual weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings, and it always impresses without demanding a ton of effort.

What makes this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe extra special is how easy it is to customize and the balance of fresh herbs and warm spices. It’s perfect for grilling season but also works beautifully indoors if you have a grill pan. Plus, the tahini sauce complements the kebabs perfectly, tying everything together into a comforting, flavorful meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe complement each other so well. The fresh herbs pack an aromatic punch, while the spices provide depth, and the chicken stays juicy thanks to eggs and breadcrumbs. When shopping, look for fresh parsley and mint, and quality tahini for the sauce—this will really elevate your dish.

• Garlic: Adds pungent garlic flavor, especially when combined in both the kofta and the tahini sauce for a double hit of garlicky goodness.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and moisture helping keep the kebabs juicy and tender.
• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that takes on spices beautifully and cooks up tender and flavorful.
• Eggs: Act as a binder so the kebabs hold their shape on the grill or pan without falling apart.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light texture that helps absorb juices and keeps the kebabs from being too dense.
• Parsley & Mint: Fresh herbs that brighten and balance all the flavorful spices.
• Ground Coriander, Paprika, Allspice, Cumin, Red Chili Flakes: These spices create a warm, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy flavor profile that makes the kofta irresistible.
• Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances every flavor in the mixture.
• Tahini: Sesame paste that becomes a luscious, creamy sauce when mixed with lemon juice and water.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the tahini sauce, balancing its richness.

Make It Your Way

This Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe is incredibly flexible, and I encourage you to make it yours. Whether you want it milder or spicier, or perhaps add different fresh herbs you have on hand, tweaking it is part of the fun. I often swap mint for cilantro depending on what’s fresher, and sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

• Variation: I once made this with ground turkey instead of chicken—it turned out wonderfully, just watch the cooking time since turkey is leaner.
• Herb Swap: Try cilantro with parsley if you want a more citrusy herbal note.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red chili flakes to your preference—start small if you’re not sure and add more next time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or substitute with almond meal for a low-carb twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Flavorful Herb and Garlic Mixture

First, peel and halve your garlic cloves and cut the onion into chunks—any color onion works great here. Toss the garlic, onion, parsley, and mint into a food processor. Pulse until everything breaks down into a fragrant, moist paste. This mixture is the secret to infusing the kofta with fresh, vibrant flavor, so don’t rush this step—make sure it’s well combined but not pureed to oblivion.

Step 2: Combine the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, place the ground chicken. Add the herb-garlic paste, eggs, breadcrumbs, and all your spices. At this point, I use my hands to mix—it helps to really combine everything without overworking the meat. The mixture should be sticky but not too wet. If it feels too loose, a little extra breadcrumb can help. This is also a good time to season with salt and pepper carefully, since it enhances all those beautiful flavors.

Step 3: Shape the Kofta Kebabs

Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop portions and then shape them into small tubes—somewhere between a patty and a meatball shape. I find wetting my hands with cold water between each helps prevent sticking, making this step way easier. Arrange them on a baking sheet, then pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chills the kebabs so they keep their shape and cook evenly on the grill.

Step 4: Grill Your Kofta to Perfection

Heat your grill to about 400°F — if you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, that’s perfect. Start by grilling the kofta directly over the heat for 4 minutes per side—you’ll want to cover the grill to keep the heat consistent. Then move the kebabs to indirect heat to finish cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer here because it’s tricky to tell by sight. This step usually takes about 8 extra minutes, but it depends on your grill. The result? Juicy, tender kebabs with a gorgeous char.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Tahini Sauce

While the kofta is chilling or grilling, make the tahini sauce. Mix tahini with lemon juice and water. At first, it’ll look chunky and thick, but keep whisking—it turns silky and smooth after a minute or two. Add freshly grated garlic or garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper, then stir again. This tangy, creamy sauce really makes the dish sing, so don’t skip it!

How to Serve Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the kofta with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of sumac for a slight tangy pop and pretty color. Sometimes, thinly sliced red onions or quick-pickled cucumbers add a crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of the tahini. A wedge of lemon on the side is always a welcome addition for those who want a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe are fluffy quinoa or herbed couscous, along with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. A crisp salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice rounds out the meal beautifully. You can also serve it all wrapped in warm pita bread for a casual, handheld lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the kebabs on a large platter layered with grilled flatbreads, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and scattered with pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios. It adds a festive look and burst of texture. Another fun idea is to serve the koftas as appetizer skewers at parties, paired with small bowls of tahini sauce for dipping. It’s always a crowd favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover kofta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they keep well for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat them cold in salads or wraps, they’re still delicious, but I usually warm them up for that freshly grilled taste.

Freezing

When I make a big batch, I often freeze raw shaped koftas before grilling. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. This way, you can grill them fresh anytime without the initial prep. They usually keep well for up to 3 months frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping the koftas in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or heating them gently in a skillet with a little olive oil. This helps keep them moist and restores that freshly grilled flavor without drying out. Microwave reheating works too but can make them a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Kofta Kebabs with Tahini Sauce Recipe is genuinely one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something both comforting and exciting. The balance of herbs, spices, and creamy tahini is just unbeatable, and I love how adaptable it is to different diets and occasions. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I think you’ll find this recipe rewarding and enjoyable from prep to last bite. Give it a try and let those vibrant flavors brighten up your next meal!

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