Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Save this recipe on:

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight favorite: Coconut Chicken Meatballs. These golden, juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce that’s slightly spicy, delightfully creamy, and infused with aromatic herbs. The result? A flavor-packed dish that feels indulgent yet light, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressive entertaining.

Made with ground chicken and fragrant spices, this dish comes together quickly and is incredibly versatile. Serve it over jasmine rice, spoon it on a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or tuck it into a warm pita with fresh greens. However you serve it, Coconut Chicken Meatballs will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Whether you’re into bold flavors or creamy comfort food, this dish delivers. It’s protein-packed and naturally gluten-free. The sauce clings to each meatball in the most satisfying way, while the touch of lime brightens every bite. It’s also make-ahead friendly and reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Coconut Milk Should I Use?

Always go for full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Avoid coconut cream (which is thicker and sweet) and steer clear of the boxed, refrigerated kind — they’re diluted and won’t deliver the velvety sauce you’re after.

---

Ingredients for the Coconut Chicken Meatballs

To build depth of flavor and maintain moisture, each ingredient serves a purpose in this recipe:

• Ground Chicken: Lean but still juicy, chicken is perfect for soaking up all the coconut curry goodness.
• Garlic & Onion: Aromatic foundations that infuse the meatballs and sauce with warmth.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped and folded into the meatballs for a fresh, herbal lift.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together while staying light.
• Egg: Acts as the glue to hold everything in perfect form.
• Ginger: Adds a zesty sharpness that balances the creamy coconut.
• Red Curry Paste: The flavor backbone of the sauce — spicy, savory, and deeply fragrant.
• Coconut Milk (full-fat): Brings the luscious, creamy base to life.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the curry and balances the richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and building flavor.

---

How To Make the Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, finely diced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and a dash of ginger. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Scoop and roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet — just golden and sealed.

Step 3: Simmer in Coconut Curry Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more oil and sauté extra onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in red curry paste, then pour in the coconut milk. Let it bubble and thicken slightly before adding lime juice and gently nestling the meatballs into the sauce.

Step 4: Cook Until Juicy and Tender

Simmer on low heat, covered, for 12-15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and infused with curry flavor. Finish with a handful of chopped cilantro.

---

How to Serve and Store Coconut Chicken Meatballs

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 hungry eaters comfortably, especially when paired with rice or flatbread. Serve hot and spoon plenty of sauce over each portion. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months — just thaw and reheat gently on the stove.

---

What to Serve With Coconut Chicken Meatballs?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic partner to soak up all that curry sauce.

Coconut Rice

Double up on the coconut theme for extra indulgence.

Naan or Flatbread

Perfect for scooping and swiping through the luscious sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a pop of green and roasty flavor that complements the creaminess.

Cucumber Salad

A fresh and cooling contrast to the warm curry.

Sauteed Bok Choy

Light, garlicky greens that don’t overpower the dish.

Pickled Red Onions

Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to balance the coconut milk.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold and creamy chicken recipes, you’ll probably enjoy these flavorful hits:

• Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne for a cheesy comfort.
• Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with crispy texture and flavor punch.
• Doritos Chicken Casserole if you’re craving crunch and creamy layers.
• Chicken Mushroom Alfredo for cozy pasta nights.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Lasagna for an oven-baked twist on chicken and cheese.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you need a cozy, flavorful meal.

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you sneak in extra veggies? Add heat with chili flakes? I’d love to hear your twist on this dish.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and dinner ideas on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to meal!

Print

Save this recipe on: