These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are packed with yummy flavors from herbs and spices like ginger and garlic. They’re a healthier twist, baked instead of fried!
You’ll love how simple and fun they are to make! I like to serve them with a sweet dipping sauce and some fresh veggies. Perfect for snack time or dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish. You can swap it with ground turkey or lean ground pork for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey is a good option!
Fish Sauce: Essential for that authentic Thai taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use soy sauce or coconut aminos. They give a similar umami flavor though slightly different.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for its extra crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs work fine—just ensure they’re dry so they help hold the meatballs together.
Red Chili: Fresh chili adds a nice kick! If you’re not a fan of heat, you can use sweet bell peppers or omit them entirely for gentler flavor.
Cilantro: This herb provides fresh flavor. While I think it’s essential, if you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be used instead.
How Do I Form Perfectly Tender Meatballs?
Making meatballs can be a bit tricky, especially keeping them tender. Here are some tips:
- Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Use your hands to gently form the meatballs. Light pressure helps them stay tender.
- If your mixture feels too loose, a bit more panko can help without making them dense.
- Spacing them evenly on the baking dish allows even cooking, so they all get that nice golden color!
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 small red chili or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for heat), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
For the Glaze/Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: chopped fresh chili or chili flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes of cooking time. Overall, expect to spend about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on.
2. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, red chili (or chili flakes), chopped cilantro, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough!
3. Shaping the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. This helps them cook more evenly.
4. Baking the Meatballs:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the meatballs for about 18-22 minutes. They’re done when they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
5. Making the Glaze:
While your meatballs are baking, grab a small bowl and mix together the sweet chili sauce and lime juice to create your glaze. This will add a nice sweet and tangy kick!
6. Glazing the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are finished baking, take them out of the oven and spoon the glaze over each one. Then, pop them back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes to let the glaze set.
7. Final Touches:
When they’re done, remove the meatballs from the oven and garnish with the reserved sliced green onions and any additional chili for extra heat, if you like.
8. Serving Suggestions:
These delicious meatballs can be served warm with steamed rice, fresh veggies, or even as a tasty party appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful, juicy Thai baked chicken meatballs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will keep the meatballs lean yet flavorful. Just be mindful that turkey can be drier than chicken, so avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check that your fish sauce and soy sauce are also gluten-free variants.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be cooked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
