Experience a burst of vibrant Thai flavors with these baked chicken meatballs! Combining the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, cilantro, and ginger, this dish delivers a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. These juicy chicken meatballs are easy to make, light, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends. Finished with a sweet chili glaze, they offer a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Not only are they baked for a healthier touch, but they also come together in no time, making them a quick and flavorful option for everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 green onions, finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 lime, zested
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce (to use as a glaze)
Instructions:
- 1. Prepare the Oven: Adjust the temperature to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a spacious bowl, combine the ground chicken with chopped green onions, egg, lime zest, panko breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced lemongrass, garlic, and salt. Stir gently until the ingredients are blended, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain tenderness in the meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each one.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Glaze with sweet chili sauce: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with sweet chili sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve these flavorful meatballs with steamed rice, noodles, or on their own as a savory appetizer.
Conclusion:
These Thai-inspired baked chicken meatballs are a simple yet exciting way to enjoy the bold and refreshing flavors of Thailand. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, they are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The sweet chili glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, making each bite irresistible. Plus, baking them keeps them light and healthy without sacrificing flavor. Try them out for a quick, satisfying meal!
Thai-inspired baked chicken meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 green onions finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 lime zested
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce to use as a glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Adjust the temperature to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a spacious bowl, combine the ground chicken with chopped green onions, egg, lime zest, panko breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced lemongrass, garlic, and salt. Stir gently until the ingredients are blended, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain tenderness in the meatballs.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each one.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Glaze with sweet chili sauce: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with sweet chili sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve these flavorful meatballs with steamed rice, noodles, or on their own as a savory appetizer.