These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are a flavor-packed dish perfect for dinner or as an appetizer. Made with ground chicken and seasoned with Thai-inspired ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro, they are glazed with sweet chili sauce for a delightful sweet and spicy kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are both quick and delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
2 green onions, finely minced
1 large egg
½ lime, zested
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon grated lemongrass
1 tablespoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup sweet chili sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, egg, lime zest, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs and place them in the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and baste them with sweet chili sauce.
Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until fully cooked and the sauce becomes sticky.
Serve the meatballs warm with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 15 meatballs
Calories: 68 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 37mg
Sodium: 235mg
Potassium: 184mg
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 35 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 12mg
Iron: 1mg

Why Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs Are a Must-Try

This dish is more than just a crowd-pleaser—it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a complex, satisfying flavor profile. The meatballs are:

Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules.
Packed with Flavor: Ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro elevate the taste with fresh, vibrant notes.
Healthy: Made with lean ground chicken and baked instead of fried, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional recipes.
Versatile: They can be served as an appetizer, a main dish over rice or noodles, or as part of a larger Thai-inspired meal.
Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit dietary needs or ingredient preferences.

The Essence of Thai Flavors

Thai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. These meatballs encapsulate that balance beautifully:

Sweet Chili Sauce: A quintessential Thai condiment, it provides sweetness with a hint of heat.
Ginger and Lemongrass: These ingredients add warmth and a citrusy aroma, essential to Thai cooking.
Cilantro and Lime Zest: These elements bring freshness and brightness to the dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they ensure the meatballs remain moist without overpowering the delicate Thai flavors.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions:

Dinner: Serve them with jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Party Food: Their bite-sized format makes them ideal for buffets or cocktail parties.
Meal Prep: Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and flavorful protein option throughout the week.
Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a protein-packed snack.

How to Customize Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients:

Protein Options: Swap ground chicken for turkey, pork, or even plant-based alternatives.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding red chili flakes or finely chopped Thai chilies to the meat mixture.
Glaze Variations: Try teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or a peanut-based sauce for different flavor profiles.
Herb Choices: Substitute cilantro with parsley or Thai basil for a slightly different taste.
Serving Styles: Use the meatballs in wraps, salads, or even soups for a creative twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing these meatballs with complementary sides and garnishes enhances their appeal:

Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the sweet chili glaze.
With Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers.
In Wraps: Add the meatballs to lettuce wraps or flatbreads with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce.
As a Salad Topper: Use them to top a crisp Thai-inspired salad with a peanut dressing.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with additional sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a tangy lime vinaigrette.

Tips for Perfect Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro to maximize flavor.
Do Not Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until incorporated to avoid dense meatballs.
Uniform Size: Roll the meatballs into equal sizes to ensure even cooking.
Preheat the Oven: A properly heated oven ensures the meatballs bake evenly and develop a nice glaze.
Baste Generously: Brush the meatballs with sweet chili sauce during the final baking stage for a sticky, flavorful coating.

Storing and Reheating

These meatballs are great for meal prep, as they store and reheat beautifully:

Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Arrange cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave them in short intervals to prevent drying out.

Why Baked Meatballs Are Better

Baking meatballs offers several advantages over frying:

Healthier Option: Baking requires less oil, reducing the overall fat content.
Even Cooking: The heat circulates evenly in the oven, ensuring all meatballs are cooked to perfection.
Convenience: Baking allows for hands-off cooking, so you can focus on preparing sides or sauces.

The Cultural Connection

Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs capture the essence of Thai street food, known for its bold flavors and vibrant presentation. While meatballs are not traditionally Thai, the fusion of flavors in this recipe pays homage to the country’s culinary traditions, blending familiar techniques with local ingredients.

Conclusion

Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are a delightful combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Their Thai-inspired seasonings and sweet chili glaze make them a standout dish, whether served as an appetizer or a main course. With their versatility, quick preparation, and endless customization options, these meatballs are a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, they bring a taste of Thailand to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pin2

2 Shares