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Homemade 30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs. recipe photo

30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs.

Juicy spiced meatballs simmered in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1/2 yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 6 ounces tomato paste 1 small can
  • 14 ounces full fat coconut milk 1 can
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • steamed rice for serving
  • naan for serving

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl combine the ground turkey or chicken, egg, panko, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper; mix until just combined.
  3. Coat your hands with a little olive oil and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs (about 15–20); place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, until cooked through and slightly crisp on the outside.
  5. While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  6. Add the garlic and grated ginger and cook another 1–2 minutes until aromatic; season with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Add the tomato paste, coconut milk, and 1/2 cup water; stir to combine, bring to a gentle boil, and simmer about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Off the heat, stir in the Greek yogurt and butter until smooth, then add the baked meatballs to the skillet and return to low heat; cook, stirring occasionally, about 3–5 minutes to warm through and thicken the sauce slightly.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
  11. Serve the meatballs and sauce over steamed rice with naan on the side.

Notes

  • Use either ground turkey or chicken as specified.
  • Adjust cayenne to your heat preference.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
  • Stir yogurt in off the heat to prevent curdling.