Intro
Hello, I am Dulcia. I love weeknight recipes that are quick, flavorful, and easy to scale for a crowd. These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are one of my go-to appetizers when I want big Thai-inspired flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Origins
These meatballs borrow from Thai pantry staples – red curry paste, lime, cilantro, garlic, and ginger. The idea of pairing savory meatballs with a peanut dipping sauce nods to satay traditions, while baking keeps things lighter and simple.
For background on Thai flavors, see the Wikipedia overview of Thai cuisine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_cuisine. For food safety guidance, I follow USDA recommendations on cooking temperatures: https://www.usda.gov/.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, cilantro, and lime juice until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with peanut dipping sauce.
Spiced Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 33–35 mins
- Yield: About 20 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
Description
Spiced chicken meatballs flavored with Thai red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and cilantro; served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400?F (200?C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, beaten egg, cilantro, and lime juice until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18?20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with peanut dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18–20 mins
Tips
- Use gluten-free panko to make this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet. I often keep a pack in my pantry for quick swaps.
- Do not overmix the meat, mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Space meatballs evenly so they brown nicely, and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for poultry safety, as recommended by the USDA: https://www.usda.gov/.
Variations
- Air fryer option – cook at 375°F for about 12-14 minutes, shaking or turning once.
- Make smaller 3/4-inch meatballs for bite-sized appetizers.
- Add finely chopped green onions or a splash of fish sauce for extra umami.
- Swap ground turkey or a mix of chicken and pork for a different texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare and roll the meatballs, store them on a baking sheet covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. Freeze raw meatballs on a tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Q: How do I make a quick peanut dipping sauce?
A: Stir together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and enough warm water to thin. Add sriracha to taste.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: They can be, if you use gluten-free panko and a gluten-free soy sauce such as tamari.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy these Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs as much as I do. They are perfect for gatherings, game day, or a quick weeknight snack. For more recipes and kitchen tips, visit my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/. Leave a comment and tell me how you served them.