Thai Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Peanut Sauce
Thai Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Peanut Sauce offer a perfect blend of juicy, aromatic chicken meatballs paired with a rich, savory-sweet peanut sauce. This easy-to-make dish boasts bold flavors, tender textures, and quick cooking time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers with a healthy twist.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Additional chopped green onions, for garnish
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped white parts of green onions, fish sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove cooked meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy peanut sauce: In the same pan, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Heat gently until the sauce is smooth and warmed through, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Combine and simmer: Add the meatballs back into the pan with the peanut sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides such as jasmine rice, noodles, or fresh salad.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them light and tender.
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for best flavor.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding water or extra coconut milk if too thick.
- Control the heat level by starting with a small amount of chili flakes and increasing as preferred.
- Brown meatballs well on all sides to seal in juices and maximize flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai chicken meatballs, peanut sauce, easy dinner, gluten free, appetizer, creamy peanut sauce, healthy chicken recipe, quick meatballs