Chicken Kofta (Ground Chicken Meatballs)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably thighs but breast is fine)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup very finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (GF or regular)
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese (finely chop if using shredded cheese)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced or crushed - sub 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4-1 tsp red chili powder (sub crushed chili flakes or cayenne)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
• 1 - 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (may vary depending on your cheese)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 2 tbsp mint leaves (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   If baking, preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on the parchment or aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly grease the rack with baking spray. (If you don’t have a rack, lightly grease the parchment paper or aluminum.)

2. 2

   Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine, ensuring all the spices are mixed well. See Note 1 for taste testing.

3. 3

   Take about 2 tbsp of the mixture (I do this using a cookie scoop), and form into meatballs using slightly oiled hands.

4. 4

   To Bake: (See Note 2 for Air-fry and Pan-fry Options) Place onto the rack or directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Bake for 25-26 minutes (no need to turn), until golden on top. To get them brown on top, transfer the oven rack close to the heat source for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Garnish with cilantro. Serve with mint raita or your favorite chutney. For a complete meal, serve with pasta, veggies, rice, or salad. The options are endless!