Irresistible Savory Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Coconut curry chicken meatballs bring exotic flavors dancing across your plate with unexpected zest.

Fragrant spices weave magic through tender meat, creating a meal that surprises and delights.

Soft ground chicken mingles with aromatic herbs, promising a culinary adventure.

Warm Indian-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with complex layers of taste.

Smooth coconut milk embraces the meatballs, adding richness and depth to every morsel.

Packed with nutrients and bold character, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor each delectable moment of this sensational recipe.

Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs at a Glance

• Packed with bold curry and coconut flavors that dance on your taste buds, these meatballs deliver a mouthwatering fusion of spices and creamy richness.
• Easy one-skillet preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy home cooks, minimizing cleanup and reducing kitchen stress with straightforward steps.
• Adaptable dish works wonderfully as a quick weeknight dinner or impressive party appetizer, easily served over rice or noodles to suit different dining styles.
• Transform ordinary chicken meatballs into a gourmet experience by infusing international flavors that will surprise and delight family and friends.

Ingredients for Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Fresh meat that forms the foundation of the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and provide structure.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the meatball flavor.
• Curry Powder: Provides a complex and traditional curry spice profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Red Curry Paste: Delivers intense and authentic Thai-style curry flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a rich and creamy sauce base with a subtle sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the spicy and savory elements of the dish.
• Turmeric: Contributes a warm color and earthy flavor to the sauce.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and freshness to the final dish.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that complements the curry flavors.

• Cooking Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and preventing sticking.

• Rice, Noodles: Optional base for serving the meatballs and sauce.

Cooking Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Curry powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly and shape into bite-sized spheres about the size of a golf ball.

Ensure the mixture is well-incorporated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Warm a skillet with a light coating of cooking oil over medium heat.

Gently place meatballs into the pan, rotating carefully to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Cook until they develop a beautiful caramelized crust.

Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Unleash Sauce Sensation

In the same skillet, introduce red curry paste and cook briefly to awaken the aromatics.

• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Ground turmeric

Allow the sauce to simmer and develop a rich, complex flavor profile for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Marry Meatballs and Sauce

Carefully return the golden meatballs to the simmering sauce.

Let them bathe and absorb the incredible flavors for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked through.

Splash in fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Step 5: Plate with Panache

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the meatballs.

Serve atop fluffy rice or tender noodles, creating a stunning dish that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Meatballs

• Mix meatball ingredients gently but completely to ensure even seasoning and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Use fresh ground chicken with moderate fat content to keep meatballs juicy and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Modify red curry paste quantity based on personal heat preference, tasting and adding gradually for balanced flavor.
• Select jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the rich, creamy coconut curry sauce for maximum taste absorption.
• Form meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal preparation.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken Meatballs

• Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid storing with garnishes like cilantro.
• Place meatballs and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour meatballs and sauce into skillet. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of coconut milk or water if sauce appears too thick. Heat until thoroughly warmed and reaches safe internal temperature.

Pairing Suggestions for Curry Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the curry's spiciness and complement the coconut's creamy texture. The wine's acidity cuts through the rich sauce while enhancing the meatballs' complex flavor profile.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Create a fragrant rice side dish with toasted jasmine rice, sautéed shallots, and a pinch of turmeric. The light, aromatic grains will absorb the coconut curry sauce perfectly and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Serve with Cucumber Mint Salad: Prepare a cool, refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and a light rice vinegar dressing. This side dish will provide a crisp, clean counterpoint to the warm, spicy meatballs and help cleanse the palate.
• Complement with Thai Basil Garnish: Sprinkle fresh Thai basil leaves over the dish just before serving. The herb's peppery, anise-like flavor will add a bright, aromatic dimension that elevates the entire curry experience.

Flavor Variations for Coconut Curry Meatballs

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Replace ground chicken with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Maintain the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the entire recipe remains gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip rice or noodles and serve meatballs over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce sugar content or use a sugar substitute like stevia for a keto-friendly approach.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase red curry paste quantity or add fresh chopped chili peppers for extra heat. Include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to elevate the spice level for those who enjoy intense flavors.

FAQs

• Are coconut milk and red curry paste necessary for this recipe?

Yes, they are key ingredients that create the rich, creamy, and spicy flavor profile of the dish. Coconut milk provides a smooth base while red curry paste adds depth and authentic Thai-inspired taste.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same spices and cooking method. The texture and overall flavor will remain very similar.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the red curry paste brand you use. Most standard curry pastes offer a mild to medium heat. If you prefer less spice, use less curry paste or choose a milder variety.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully to confirm.

Savory Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut curry chicken meatballs bring exotic Indian flavors dancing across your palate with irresistible spice and creamy richness. Perfectly seasoned protein spheres nestled in silky sauce promise a culinary adventure that delights you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Create delicate chicken morsels by thoroughly blending ground chicken with aromatic spices, breadcrumbs, and binding ingredients. Form uniform spherical shapes approximately one inch in diameter.
2. Warm a skillet with neutral cooking oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully brown meatballs on multiple surfaces, ensuring golden exterior while maintaining tender interior. Transfer to clean plate.
3. Within the same skillet, activate red curry paste, releasing complex aromatics for 1-2 minutes. Introduce creamy coconut milk, complementing seasonings like soy sauce, subtle sweetness, and vibrant turmeric. Allow liquid to gently reduce and develop rich flavor profile.
4. Carefully reintroduce meatballs into simmering fragrant sauce. Allow protein to absorb surrounding flavors and complete cooking process, approximately 10-12 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
5. Enhance dish with bright citrus notes by drizzling fresh lime juice. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro across surface for additional layer of herbal complexity. Present atop fluffy rice or delicate noodles for complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red curry paste for milder or spicier results.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and lower in carbs.
• Create a meal prep-friendly version by preparing meatballs and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg