Thai Chicken Meatballs

Name: Thai Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped; 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/30/2025

What are your favorite chicken meatballs? Think lemongrass, ginger, a little kick of chili, and some sweetness. What are some of the best spaghetti night meatballs?Thai chicken meatballs.Is it easier to make a batch of these cookies than you think? I swear, they rival even my best pad thai recipe in terms of how quickly they disappear at my house. I have a feeling these bad boys will be on repeat at some point. What’s your place?

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What is Thai Chicken Meatballs?

Thai chicken meatballs.Are essentially a flavor-packed twist on classic meatballs? We’re ditching the traditional Italian herbs and spices for Southeast Asian aromatics. Think of it as taking all the best parts of a Thai curry or stir-fry and condensing them into one bowl. What are some of the best meatballs? What is a fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet totally unique. Is it essentially ground chicken, rolled into balls, baked or pan-fried, and then often fried? What are some of the best sauces to serve with your favorite meal What is the most beautiful thing about these little guys? Can you serve them as an appetizer, a main course, over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps? Is there any limit to what you can do with your life?

Why you should try this recipe?

Where do I begin? What are some of the best flavors to use with ginger, garlic, lemongrass and chili? What’s both vibrant and comforting? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is it a lifesaver? From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes, tops. And that’s including sauce! What is a good, healthy meal? What are some of the best ground chicken recipes? I always have something on hand. What is the magic of Thai chicken meatballs? Can you serve them over rice with a drizzle of sriracha mayo, toss them with noodles and veggies? What are some good stir-fries to serve as an appetizer? They’re always a hit! What are some recipes that remind me of my favorite coconut curry chicken recipe? My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour these things. I swear, it’s the only way I can get them to eat their veggies sometimes!

How do I make Thai Chicken Meatballs?

Quick Overview

What are some of the best Thai meatball recipes? How do you make meatballs? Mix all the ingredients together, form them, bake (or pan fry) and whip. What is a quick sauce? What is the beauty of this recipe is that it’s super forgiving. Don’t have lemongrass? If you’re not a fan of spice, why not add some extra ginger? Is it all about customizing it to your own taste? I’m a beginner cook, but I can make this recipe. What should I do to avoid overmixing meatballs? I find baking easier than pan-frying because I can prep the whole thing at once, and it’s less expensive.

Ingredients

For the Thai Chicken Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken (I prefer organic, but any kind will work)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great, but regular is fine too) .
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (fresh is best)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (I use low-sodium)
2 tablespoons of fish sauce (don’t skip this, it adds so much flavor)
1 tablespoon grated ginger (freshly grated is key)
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 stalk lemongrass, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon lemon grass paste).
1 red chili, finely minced (optional, for a kick) 1 green chilli, 1 ginger.
1 egg, lightly beaten. 1 lemon, 1

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce. 1 cup sour
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. 1 teaspoon of
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon sesame oil: 1 teaspoon.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water): 1 cup corn starch.
1 clove garlic, minced. 1 ts
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger.
What is the best way to use red pepper flakes?

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I start the oven at 400°F (200°C)? While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean meatballs? I always do this even if I’m using a non-stick pan. Trust me, it saves you scrubbing time later!

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Ground chicken, breadcrumbs, cilantro, soy sauce, fish sauce. Ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chili (if using) What is the difference between egg and egg Gently mix everything together with your hands. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. Just combine. I find using my hands easier and also prevents overmixing.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Now, using your hands (or a small cookie scoop for more uniform meatballs), form the mixture into balls. Small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Is it ok The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I always check with a meat thermometer just to be sure. Better safe than sorry!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and salt. Add to the mixture if desired. What are the ingredients in cornstarch slurry?

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. What is the best way to do it in a few minutes? Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken up quickly and you don’t want it to burn.

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat them evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Where does the magic happen?

Step 8: Serve!

Serve the Thai chicken meatballs.Hot, garnished with extra cilantro, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha (if you like it spicy). What are some good ways to serve them over rice or noodles?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best Thai meatballs? What are some great side dishes for a weeknight dinner? What are some of the best greens in a bowl? What are some good lettuce wraps to serve with shredded carrots? What are some good cucumbers and peanuts for crunch? What are some good appetizers to serve with meatballs? What is a peanut sauce? Can you serve these with egg rolls?

How do I make Thai chicken meatballs?

What are the top tips to make sure your life is a happy one?Thai chicken meatballs are absolutely perfect every time. First things first, don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and nobody wants that. Just gently combine the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed. If you don’t have lemongrass on hand, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemongrass paste or even a little extra ginger. But trust me, lemongrass adds a unique flavor that’s worth seeking out. When making the sauce, be sure to whisk the cornstarch with water before adding it to the saucepan. This will prevent the cornstarch from clumping up and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce. If you want to add a little extra depth of flavor to the sauce, try adding a splash of fish sauce or a squeeze of lime juice. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and garnishes. Sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, sriracha, and extra cilantro all add a nice finishing touch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Thai chicken meatballs are great for meal prepping because they store really well. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, I recommend flash-freezing them first by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together. To reheat, you can either microwave them, bake them in the oven, or simmer them in a saucepan with a little extra sauce. If reheating from frozen, I recommend thawing them in the refrigerator overnight first for best results. If you haven’t added the sauce yet, you can store the meatballs separately to avoid them becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use almond flour or rice flour as a binder. Make sure your soy sauce is also gluten-free (tamari is a great option). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Definitely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You might want to add a little extra moisture to the mixture, as ground turkey tends to be drier than ground chicken.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like it hot, there are a few ways to kick up the spice. You can add more red chili to the meatball mixture, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or serve the meatballs with a generous drizzle of sriracha. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for an extra kick.

Can I bake this as muffins instead?

I haven’t tried that but I don’t see why not. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. They might need less time if you’re making muffins so I’d start checking them at around 12-15 minutes.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it’s warmed through.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to recipe for incredibly flavorful, easy-to-make Thai chicken meatballs. I seriously can’t recommend this recipe enough. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a weeknight lifesaver, and a flavor explosion all rolled into one. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to spice up your meatball game, this is it! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other Thai-inspired dishes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments below if you try this, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!