These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are bursting with flavor! Made with ground chicken, tasty herbs, and a hint of spice, they’re a fun twist on your regular meatballs.
I love serving them with a sweet dipping sauce—so good! Plus, they’re baked, so no frying fuss. You can whip them up for dinner or a snack, and they’ll impress everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the meatballs. You can swap it for ground turkey or lean pork if you prefer. Both will keep the meatballs moist and flavorful!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a nice crunch. If you run out, regular breadcrumbs work too. For a gluten-free version, try crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Green Onions: They add a fresh flavor. If you don’t have any, finely chopped shallots or chives can be a good alternative.
Fish Sauce: This adds umami. If you’re vegetarian or allergic to fish, you can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute here, or you can use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
How Do You Make Meatballs That Are Moist and Flavorful?
To ensure your meatballs are moist, don’t overmix the ingredients. Gently combine them until just mixed. Also, adding an egg helps bind everything while keeping it tender. Baking them instead of frying reduces excess oil and retains the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
- Form meatballs evenly, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, for even cooking.
- Check doneness by ensuring they are browned on the outside and cooked through.
Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Sweet chili sauce (for drizzling or dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these flavorful meatballs will take about 15 minutes. After that, they need to bake for 18-20 minutes. So all in all, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, you can get everything else ready. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, chopped chili, cilantro, fish sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, egg, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Take your time and mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. Remember, gentle mixing helps keep them tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. This will help them cook uniformly.
4. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love a gooey cheese topping, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each meatball for extra flavor. It’s completely optional but delicious!
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You will know they are done when they are cooked through and lightly browned on top. A digital thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the center!
6. Drizzle with Sauce:
Once they are out of the oven, drizzle sweet chili sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side as a tasty dip!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your meatballs with additional sliced green onions. Serve them warm, and enjoy your delicious Thai-inspired baked chicken meatballs as a main dish or appetizer!
Enjoy every bite of these tasty meatballs—they’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield delicious results. Just ensure you don’t overbake them as turkey can dry out quicker than chicken.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs Before or After Baking?
Yes, you can freeze them! If you freeze them before baking, form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them as sliders with mini buns!
