Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta: A Creamy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
If you love rich, flavorful meals that combine the warmth of spices with the comfort of creamy sauce, Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta is going to be your new favorite dish! It’s a perfect mix of juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a buttery garlic sauce — smooth, aromatic, and full of restaurant-style goodness. What makes it even better? It’s easy to make at home and pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice.
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What Is Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta?
Chicken kofta is a classic dish made from minced chicken blended with spices, herbs, and sometimes breadcrumbs, shaped into small balls, and cooked to perfection. In this version, we take the traditional kofta and elevate it with a creamy garlic butter sauce — giving it a rich, melt-in-the-mouth flavor that’s both indulgent and comforting.
It’s like enjoying the best of both worlds — the spiced tenderness of koftas and the velvety smoothness of garlic butter gravy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein and full of flavor.
- Made with simple, easily available ingredients.
- Creamy, garlicky, and buttery — just like restaurant-style dishes.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a festive meal.
- A family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Koftas:
- 500g minced chicken
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (freshly crushed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- ½ cup cream or milk
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Koftas
In a bowl, combine minced chicken, onion, ginger-garlic paste, spices, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until everything binds together.

Form small, round koftas (about the size of a walnut). Lightly oil your hands to make shaping easier.
Step 2: Cook the Koftas
You can either shallow-fry, air fry, or bake them. Cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Set them aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a deep pan, heat butter and oil together. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Then add chopped onions and cook until translucent.

Add tomato puree, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil separates from the sides.
Step 4: Add Cream and Flavor
Lower the heat and stir in cream (or milk for a lighter version). Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it for that authentic restaurant-style aroma.

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Step 5: Combine the Koftas and Sauce
Gently drop the cooked koftas into the garlic butter sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes so the koftas absorb the creamy flavors.
Garnish with chopped coriander and a small cube of butter on top before serving.
Serving Ideas
Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta tastes amazing with:
- Butter naan or garlic naan for a restaurant-style meal.
- Steamed basmati rice for a simple, comforting plate.
- Jeera rice or pulao for a flavorful twist.
- A side of fresh salad or mint chutney for a refreshing balance.
Pro Tips for Perfect Koftas
- Don’t overmix the mince — it can make koftas tough.
- Add breadcrumbs or a little gram flour for perfect binding.
- Use fresh garlic — it enhances the flavor beautifully.
- Simmer gently in the sauce so koftas stay soft.
- Add a touch of honey if your sauce tastes too tangy.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta Stands Out
Unlike traditional curries, this one has a creamy garlic twist that makes it rich yet balanced. The buttery sauce brings out a luxurious texture, while the mild spices make it suitable for all palates — even kids will love it.
It’s a perfect dish to serve when you want to impress guests or treat your family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Health Benefits
- High in protein: Great for muscle repair and overall strength.
- Garlic-rich: Boosts immunity and aids digestion.
- Low carb option: Ideal for those watching their carbs.
- Customizable: Can be made lighter by using milk instead of cream.
Storage and Reheating
You can store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it on low heat in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta is a dish that combines comfort and indulgence in every bite. Juicy chicken meatballs covered in a rich garlic butter sauce create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that taste like fine dining but is simple enough for everyday cooking.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken Kofta
Can I use beef or mutton instead of chicken?
Yes, but cooking time will increase slightly as red meat takes longer to tenderize.
How can I make it healthier?
Use olive oil instead of butter and low-fat yogurt or milk instead of cream.
Can I air fry the koftas?
Absolutely! Air frying keeps them light while retaining crispiness.
What’s the best way to make it spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
