Easy Chicken Kofta – A Delicious Sheet Pan Recipe
When life gets hectic, we all need a go-to recipe that’s quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. That’s where this easy chicken kofta recipe comes in. If you’ve never made kofta, think of it as juicy, tasty spiced ground meat. It can be shaped into skewers or patties. We’re keeping it super simple with a sheet pan version. This sheet pan chicken recipe is a weeknight savior, a crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic way to level up your meal prep game.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Kofta Recipe
- One Pan, Minimal Effort – No skewers, no fuss. Just mix, press into a baking sheet, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy it all week in wraps, salads, or bowls.
- Healthy & Packed with Protein – Lean ground chicken and bold Mediterranean spices make this a nutritious win.
- Feeds a Crowd – Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this is a dish everyone will love.
- Super Versatile – This recipe is great for low-carb diets. It gives you a quick protein boost. Serve it up in pita, over rice, or even chopped into a salad for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or even game day platters—this chicken kofta recipe fits the bill. It’s one of those meals that feels special but takes minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy schedules.
What is Chicken Kofta?
Kofta is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made with ground meat, herbs, and spices. Traditionally, it’s shaped it into skewers and grilled, but we’re keeping it easy with a sheet pan method.
Sheet pan chicken recipes are great for busy nights. Just press the mixture onto a tray, bake it, and broil. This gives you a tasty and golden finish.
This chicken kofta recipe has everything you want in a meal. Juicy and fragrant, it goes well with fresh sides like fattoush salad and warm pita bread.
The Secret to Juicy Chicken Kofta
Ground chicken can be tricky—it’s leaner than beef or lamb, so it has a tendency to dry out. Here are some simple tips to pack in the flavor:
- Fat is your friend – Use ground chicken with some fat content (not extra lean). A little bit of fat helps keep the kofta tender and juicy rather than dry and crumbly.
- Tomato paste adds moisture – It helps bind the mixture and adds a subtle richness. Plus, the natural sweetness of tomato paste balances out the warm, savory spices.
- Fresh herbs and aromatics – Red onion, garlic, and parsley bring freshness and balance. The onion releases natural juices as it cooks, keeping the kofta from drying out.
- Spices for depth – Cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of cinnamon create that signature Mediterranean flavor. The right mix of spices doesn’t just add taste—it helps the meat retain moisture.
- Don’t overmix the meat – Overworking the mixture can make the texture tough. Mix until everything is just combined to keep the kofta tender.
- Cutting before baking helps. Pre-slicing the kofta into strips makes serving easier. It also helps the edges brown evenly and keeps the inside moist.
- Let it rest before serving. Letting the kofta sit for a few minutes after baking keeps it juicy. This makes each bite more flavorful and tender.
Serving Ideas
Now that your easy chicken kofta is sizzling and golden, what should you serve with it?
- Fattoush Salad – This bright, tangy Middle Eastern salad with crisp veggies and a sumac dressing is a perfect match.
- Warm Pita or Flatbread – Scoop up the kofta, wrap it in pita, and add some garlic sauce or hummus for an incredible bite.
- Rice or Quinoa – If you’re looking for a heartier meal, feel free to serve it over a bowl of fluffy grains.
- Tzatziki or Garlic Sauce – A creamy yogurt-based sauce adds the perfect cooling contrast.
Meal Prep Tips
Want to make your weeknight dinners effortless? This chicken kofta recipe is perfect for meal prep.
- Make a double batch – Cook once, eat multiple times! This sheet pan chicken recipe reheats beautifully.
- Store in the fridge – The kofta will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later – You can freeze the raw kofta mixture or cooked kofta for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or on a skillet.
- Mix up the flavors – Use the kofta in grain bowls, wraps, or even chop it up for a Mediterranean-inspired taco.
A Healthy Sheet Pan Recipe
This easy chicken kofta is proof that delicious, restaurant-quality food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and little effort, this sheet pan chicken recipe is full of flavor. You’ll want to make it again and again.
Save this recipe for your next weeknight meal or meal prep session; you’ll love it!
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Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 440°F.
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Lightly oil a sheet tray. Press the meat mixture into a square shape on the tray, about ½ inch thick.
- Use a straight-edge utensil or knife to cut the mixture into strips before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then broil for an additional 2-5 minutes to get a nice golden color.
- Serve with fattoush salad and pita bread.
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