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Homemade Thai Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce photo

Thai Chicken Meatballs with Peanut Sauce

Savory Thai-style chicken meatballs tossed in a creamy red curry peanut sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 4 stalks green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste for the meatballs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste (for meatballs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste (for meatballs)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste for the sauce
  • 14 ounce coconut milk (1 can)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste (for sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste (for sauce)

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • medium saucepan or skillet
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon red curry paste, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir just until evenly mixed; do not overmix.
  3. Form the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon red curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add the 14-ounce can of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Transfer the baked meatballs into the sauce and gently toss to coat them completely. Cook together for 1–2 minutes to warm through.
  8. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

  • Adjust spice by adding more or less red curry paste or red pepper flakes.
  • Make ahead by preparing meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this gluten-free.
  • Meatballs and sauce freeze well for meal prep.