Chicken Kofta
What is Chicken Kofta? Afghan Spiced Ground Chicken on a Skewer
Kofta (كفتة) is the broader family of spiced and formed ground meat preparations found across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and North Africa. The word comes from the Persian "koftan," meaning to grind or pound. Kofta appears in dozens of forms - small meatballs in sauce, large patties, elongated skewer-cooked cylinders - across every cuisine that traces back to Persian and Central Asian cooking traditions. Chicken kofta is the poultry version: seasoned ground chicken worked together with spices, herbs, and aromatics, then formed onto skewers and cooked over high heat until charred outside and just-cooked inside.
The challenge of chicken kofta is that ground chicken is leaner and more prone to drying out than ground lamb or beef. The seasoning mix has to do double duty - adding flavour and helping retain moisture. Afghan-style chicken kofta achieves this through the aromatics in the blend: grated onion (which adds moisture), fresh herbs, and a house spice mix that flavours throughout rather than sitting on the surface. The result, when done right, is a kabob that is juicy and charred simultaneously - an achievement of grill technique as much as recipe.
Chicken Kofta at Naan Kabob
Our Chicken Kofta (18.99)isseasonedwithourhousespiceblend,formedontoskewers,andcookedoverourgrilltoorder.Itispartofthe"FromtheGrill"sectionofourmenualongsideTandooriChickenandClassicChickenBreast.Forguestswhowanttotastethefullrangeofwhatourgrilldoeswithchicken,theChickenLOVERcombinationplatter(25.99) offers all three preparations together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chicken kofta and shami kabob?
Shami kabob is typically beef or lamb, formed into a round patty, and pan-fried. Chicken kofta is ground chicken, formed into an elongated shape on a skewer, and grilled over direct heat. The cooking method - skewer grilling vs pan-frying - gives each dish a different texture and char character. Both use spiced ground meat but are distinct dishes.
How much does Chicken Kofta cost at Naan Kabob?
Chicken Kofta is 18.99,servedwithriceandsalad.ItisalsoincludedinourChickenLOVERplatter(25.99) alongside our other grilled chicken options.
Is chicken kofta halal?
Yes. All food at Naan Kabob is halal. Our Chicken Kofta is made with certified halal ground chicken.
See also: Tandoori Chicken, Shami Kabob, Skewer Cooking, Afghan Cuisine.
Chicken Kofta at Naan Kabob - $18.99. Spiced, skewered, grilled fresh. Borderless Afghan Flavours on a stick.
