Coconut Chicken Meatballs

These Coconut Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavors. Simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce with a hint of spice, they make a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Flavorful – The coconut milk adds a luscious, slightly sweet taste.
• Protein-Packed – Made with lean ground chicken for a healthy meal.
• Easy One-Pan Dish – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for frying)

For the Coconut Sauce

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon curry powder (or turmeric for a mild flavor)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet (if baking meatballs instead of frying)

How to Make Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, paprika, soy sauce, and green onion.
2. Mix until just combined, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Alternative Baking Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and sauté the onion until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add lime juice and honey, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

1. Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the coconut sauce.
2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
2. Enjoy warm with extra lime wedges on the side!

What to Serve With Coconut Chicken Meatballs

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Absorbs the rich coconut sauce.
• Rice Noodles – For a Thai-inspired twist.
• Sautéed Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas pair beautifully.
• Warm Naan Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix – Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatballs dense.
• Use Wet Hands – To prevent sticking when shaping the meatballs.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Provides the creamiest, most flavorful sauce.
• Adjust Spice Level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk.

Conclusion

These Coconut Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smothered in a creamy coconut sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Serve them over rice or noodles for a simple yet satisfying meal!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Tropical / Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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