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Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.
Creating meatballs often brings back memories of cozy family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Inviting friends over and serving a flavorful dish always brings joy. One of my favorite experiences has to be the first time I made meatballs infused with Thai flavors. The blend of spices and the luscious peanut sauce stole the show, and everyone kept asking for the recipe.
These easy Thai baked chicken meatballs offer a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. Ground chicken, red curry paste, and fresh ginger come together, resulting in a dish that bursts with flavor. The peanut dipping sauce elevates every bite, making it the perfect choice for an appetizer, snack, or main course. Even those who are new to cooking can master this recipe and impress their family and friends.
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Fundamentals
Chicken meatballs provide a delightful base for an array of flavors. Using ground chicken makes these meatballs not only lighter, but also a great canvas for herbs and spices. The key is to combine the right ingredients to achieve a flavorful, moist, and tender bite.
In this easy Thai recipe, red curry paste and fresh ginger lend their warmth and fragrance, adding an authentic touch that transports your taste buds straight to Thailand. Fresh cilantro imparts a bright finish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Cooking these meatballs in the oven ensures they remain juicy without the fuss of frying.
Preparation/setup
Before you start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven ready ensures that your meatballs will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Next, gather your ingredients: ground chicken, red curry paste, minced ginger, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, egg, salt, and pepper.
Setting up your workspace will make the cooking process smoother. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. With everything in place, you’ll be ready to mix and bake your easy Thai baked chicken meatballs quickly.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon red curry paste
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the dipping sauce:
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon water
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, red curry paste, ginger, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and water until smooth.
- Serve the meatballs warm with the peanut dipping sauce.
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Technique
Baking meatballs may seem simple, but a few techniques can enhance the overall experience. Mixing the ingredients well ensures every bite is flavored equally. When forming the meatballs, use moistened hands, which will help maintain the mixture’s moisture and prevent it from sticking to your palms.
Consider the size of your meatballs. Make them uniform to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, you can use a small ice cream scoop for perfectly shaped meatballs that will bake evenly.
Tips/tricks
- To prevent dryness, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Just blend until combined.
- If you prefer a little heat, add extra red curry paste to the mixture.
- Adapt the recipe by swapping out the breadcrumbs for crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free substitute.
- For the dipping sauce, adjust the consistency by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Perfecting results
Monitoring your oven temperature guarantees the perfect cook on your meatballs. The ideal internal temperature of cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer can ensure safety without compromising juiciness.
If you like your meatballs browner on the outside, finish with a quick broil for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them during this step to avoid burning.
Troubleshooting/variations
A few factors may affect your meatballs. If they seem overly dry, consider adding a touch more egg or breadcrumbs. On the other hand, too much liquid in the mixture may cause them to fall apart. Adjust accordingly by balancing the wet and dry ingredients.
Variations can make this dish even more exciting. Try swapping ground chicken for ground turkey while maintaining the same flavor profile. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs or spices to give this dish your twist.
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Serving/presentation
Presentation elevates the dining experience. Serve your meatballs on a rustic wooden platter or a bright white dish. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch that invites everyone to dig in.
Pair these meatballs with rice or a simple green salad for a more filling meal. You can also present them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy serving at a gathering.
Pairings/storage
These meatballs shine on their own but can also be paired with various sides. Consider serving them with jasmine rice, a simple Asian slaw, or fresh veggies. Their flavor complements many dishes, making them versatile for any meal.
For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain that delightful texture and warmth. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to two months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating for future meals.
These easy Thai baked chicken meatballs transform any dinner into a joyful occasion. Infused with vibrant flavors and served with a creamy dipping sauce, they truly stand out. Whether you dish them up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, they won’t disappoint.
PrintEasy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Deliciously flavored chicken meatballs infused with Thai spices and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (for the dipping sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for the dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for the dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for the dipping sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (for the dipping sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, red curry paste, ginger, breadcrumbs, cilantro, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and water until smooth.
- Serve the meatballs warm with the peanut dipping sauce.
Notes
To prevent dryness, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Adjust the consistency of the dipping sauce by adding more or less water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg