Table of Contents

Introduction:

Chicken Kofta is a delectable dish that combines succulent chicken meatballs with a creamy and flavorful gravy. It is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich and indulgent taste. The chicken meatballs, or koftas, are made with ground chicken mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and a hint of creaminess. These tender koftas are then simmered in a luscious gravy made with a creamy base, cashews, and aromatic spices. Chicken Kofta is a true delight for those who appreciate the harmony of flavors and crave a luxurious dining experience.

Ingredients:

To prepare Chicken Kofta, you will need the following ingredients:

½ kg boneless chicken
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp crushed chilies
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2-3 green chilies
1 small onion
1 tbsp butter or oil
1 tbsp fresh cream
1 tsp coriander leaves
2 bread slices or gram flour
½ cup oil (for frying)
1 cup sliced onion
10-12 cashews
3-4 green chilies
1 mace
4-5 cardamom
1 tbsp melon seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
½ tsp white pepper powder
½ tsp crushed black pepper
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup curd
2-3 tbsp fresh cream
2 tsp kasuri methi
3-4 tbsp water
Coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions on how to make Chicken Kofta:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Dough

Cut ½ kg of boneless chicken into small pieces. In a blender, add the boneless chicken pieces, 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp of crushed chilies, 1 tsp of garam masala, 1 tsp of cumin powder, 1 tsp of salt, ½ tsp of black pepper, 2-3 green chilies, 1 small onion, 1 tbsp of butter or oil, 1 tbsp of fresh cream, 1 tsp of coriander leaves, and 2 bread slices or gram flour. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth dough-like consistency.

Step 2: Frying the Koftas

Heat ½ cup of oil in a pan over medium heat. Shape small portions of the chicken dough into small balls to form koftas. Carefully place the koftas into the hot oil and fry them until they turn light brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the koftas from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Creamy Gravy

In the same pan, add 1 cup of sliced onions, 10-12 cashews, and 3-4 green chilies. Fry the ingredients until the onions turn light brown. Transfer the fried onions, cashews, and green chilies to a blender. Add 1 mace, 4-5 cardamom pods, and 1 tbsp of melon seeds to the blender. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.

Step 4: Combining the Koftas and Gravy

In a cooking pan, add 1 cinnamon stick and 2 bay leaves. Pour the prepared paste into the pan and sauté it well. Add ½ tsp of white pepper powder, ½ tsp of crushed black pepper, ½ tsp of garam masala, ½ tsp of cumin powder, and ½ tsp of salt to the pan. Stir the spices into the gravy mixture and cook for a few minutes. Add ½ cup of curd and continue to sauté the mixture until well combined.

Next, add 2-3 tbsp of fresh cream and sauté the mixture again. Gently place all the fried koftas into the pan. Sprinkle 2 tsp of kasuri methi over the koftas and mix gently. Pour 3-4 tbsp of water into the pan, cover it, and let it cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes. Once the koftas are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves.

Conclusion:

Chicken Kofta pairs well with various Indian breads such as naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes perfectly with steamed rice or fragrant biryani. For an enhanced presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of crushed black pepper, a drizzle of fresh cream, and a few strands of saffron. Serve it hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this creamy chicken delight.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of boneless chicken for the koftas?
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken with ground chicken. Use the same amount of ground chicken and follow the recipe instructions as mentioned.

Q: Can I make the koftas in advance and fry them later?
A: Yes, you can shape the koftas in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This way, you can save time during meal preparation.

Q: Can I bake the koftas instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the koftas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through and golden brown. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy and proceed with adding the koftas to simmer and absorb the flavors.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Kofta?
A: While it’s best to enjoy Chicken Kofta fresh, you can freeze the cooked koftas separately from the gravy. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat them gently before combining them with the gravy.

Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
A: A: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. Increase or decrease the amount of crushed chilies or add additional red chili powder to make the dish spicier. Adjust the spices according to your preference.

Q: Can I make Chicken Kofta without dairy?
A: Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Chicken Kofta. Substitute the fresh cream and curd with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. This modification will still give you a creamy texture and flavor.

Q: Can I use store-bought kofta mix instead of making the dough from scratch?
A: While the authentic recipe calls for making the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought kofta mix as a time-saving option. Follow the package instructions and shape the koftas before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: Can I make Chicken Kofta using other meats?
A: Certainly! Although the recipe calls for chicken, you can experiment with other meats such as lamb, beef, or even seafood like shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Additional tips:

Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the boneless chicken pieces with ginger garlic paste, crushed chilies, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper for about 30 minutes before blending them. This step will infuse the meat with aromatic spices.
Squeeze excess moisture: If you’re using bread slices in the chicken dough, make sure to remove the crust and lightly soak them in water. Afterward, squeeze out any excess water from the bread before adding it to the blender. This ensures that the koftas have the right texture and consistency.
Test the oil temperature: Before frying the koftas, test the oil temperature by dropping a small portion of the chicken dough into the hot oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying. Adjust the heat accordingly to maintain a medium-high temperature for crispy koftas.
Drain excess oil: Once the koftas are fried, place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This helps to remove any unwanted greasiness, resulting in lighter and more appetizing koftas.
Toast the spices: Before adding the powdered spices to the gravy, lightly toast them in the pan for a minute or two. This process enhances their flavors and aromas, giving the gravy a more pronounced taste.
Adjust the consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Similarly, if the gravy is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Let the flavors meld: Once the koftas are added to the gravy, allow them to simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This allows the flavors of the koftas and the gravy to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
Reheat leftovers gently: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the koftas from becoming tough. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain the moisture and freshness of the dish.
Garnish with finesse: When garnishing the Chicken Kofta, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant touch. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra tangy flavor.
Experiment and enjoy: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite spices or ingredients to customize the flavors to your liking. Cooking is a creative process, so have fun and make the recipe your own.

Check this recipe in hindi: click here.

you can also checkout some spices for chicken kofta: click here

Chicken Kofta (very rich and gravy)