Name: Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt; 1 teaspoon olive oil

Golden, juicy, and irresistibly spiced, these Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs are your weeknight dinner hero. Blended with fresh herbs and fragrant spices, they capture the essence of Middle Eastern comfort food but in a lighter, oven-baked form. Each meatball bursts with flavor and stays incredibly tender, making them perfect for dipping in yogurt sauce or stuffing in warm pita.

Whether you’re serving them as a protein-packed main or a flavorful appetizer, these meatballs deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Plus, they’re baked—not fried—so they’re healthier and less messy, but still come out with a beautifully browned exterior.

What Kind of Ground Chicken Should I Use?

Opt for ground chicken that contains a bit of dark meat rather than all breast meat. This ensures the meatballs remain moist and juicy instead of turning dry while baking. If your store offers a mix, grab that for best results. You can also substitute with ground turkey if preferred.

Ingredients for the Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs—choose a mix with dark meat for extra moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and soak up juices to maintain tenderness.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together.
Fresh Parsley and Dill: Add fresh herbaceous flavor that complements the spices.
Garlic & Onion: Bring depth and aromatic richness.
Ground Cumin & Coriander: Offer warm, earthy flavor notes essential to kofta.
Salt & Black Pepper: For balance and flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the exterior crisp up during baking.
Greek Yogurt & Dill (for sauce): Cool, creamy contrast to the spiced meatballs.

How To Make the Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

With wet hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Meatballs should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Yogurt Sauce

While meatballs bake, mix Greek yogurt with chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and a splash of olive oil. Chill until ready to serve.

Serving and Storing Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Serve these meatballs hot from the oven with a generous dollop of yogurt dill sauce. They’re excellent stuffed in pita, paired with rice or couscous, or served over greens for a lighter option. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve With Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs?

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

These herby roasted potatoes make a cozy, earthy pairing.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Add a refreshing crunch and brightness to your plate.

Garlic Butter Naan

Perfect for soaking up extra yogurt sauce and juices.

Basmati Rice or Couscous

Let the spices shine by serving with a simple grain base.

Creamy Hummus

A creamy companion that complements the Mediterranean flair.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs, you’ll probably enjoy these flavorful favorites:

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for the ultimate Southern crunch.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy when you crave comfort in a bowl.
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for a cheesy, rich hit.
Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole if you want something hearty and satisfying.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan to keep it indulgent and comforting.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a dash of smoked paprika or a swap of dill for mint? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your spins and questions in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 meatballs

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a healthy yet flavor-packed dinner idea? These Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs bring together Middle Eastern spice with easy prep and oven-baked convenience. With ground chicken, fresh herbs, and warming spices like cumin and coriander, they’re juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. Pair with creamy yogurt dill sauce for a low-carb dinner, healthy snack, or Mediterranean appetizer. This easy recipe works for weeknights, meal prep, or even party platters—definitely one to keep in your rotation if you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, protein-packed meals, or food ideas that work for both adults and kids.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a lined or greased baking sheet.

2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on baking sheet.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

5. Meanwhile, whisk together yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Chill until serving.