These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are packed with flavor! Made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and zesty spices, they’re a tasty twist on traditional meatballs.
Serving these warm with a sweet dipping sauce is a must! I love how they stay juicy and crispy at the same time. Perfect for dinner or as a fun snack! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main ingredient for those juicy meatballs. If you want to cut back on fat, ground turkey can work well too. For a vegetarian version, try using ground tofu or a mix of beans.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro and green onions bring amazing freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a great substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. Green onions can be replaced with chives if needed.
Fish Sauce: It adds a unique umami flavor. If you’re avoiding fish, look for vegetarian fish sauce or use soy sauce instead, though it’ll alter the taste a bit.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a great crunch. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace them. Just keep in mind that they might change the texture slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
To achieve tender meatballs, careful mixing is key! Overmixing can make them tough. Combine your ingredients gently, just until they blend together.
- Use your hands or a spatula—this helps control how much you mix.
- Keep your meatballs about the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t skip letting them rest after baking; this helps them retain moisture!
This recipe is delicious and simple. I can’t wait for you to try it! Enjoy making these tasty meatballs!
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake, so you can have these tasty meatballs ready in around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped shallot, cilantro, green onions, and grated ginger. Give it a good stir!
3. Adding Flavor:
Next, pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Add the panko breadcrumbs and the beaten egg. Mix everything together gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Forming the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Baking the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. You can check if they’re done by cutting one open to make sure it’s not pink inside.
6. Resting and Serving:
Once done, take the meatballs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps them stay juicy. Serve them warm with a sweet chili dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra kick!
Enjoy your flavorful, healthy Thai-inspired baked chicken meatballs!
FAQ About Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute! It will still keep the meatballs light and tasty. Just be aware that it might have a slightly different flavor profile.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! You can replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a similar salty flavor or use a vegetarian fish sauce if you’re looking for a plant-based option. Just keep in mind it will slightly alter the taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving for maximum freshness!
