There’s something magical about the combination of tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a creamy, aromatic curry sauce. Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs are exactly that – the kind of meal that blends comfort food with bold global flavors. This dish brings together juicy ground chicken meatballs and a rich coconut-based curry that’s slightly sweet, tangy, and savory with just the right amount of spice.

Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends and want to impress with something unique, this recipe fits the bill. Served over steamed rice, noodles, or even with warm naan, it’s a complete and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of flavor: Curry powder, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk come together for a balanced sauce.

• Comforting and hearty: Juicy chicken meatballs soak up the curry for a rich, filling meal.

• Versatile: Pair with rice, quinoa, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

• Make-ahead friendly: Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for quick meals later.

• Customizable heat: Adjust spice levels by using more or less curry paste.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup onion, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 2 teaspoons curry powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Coconut Curry Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons red curry paste

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, ginger, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined but don’t overwork the mixture – this keeps the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Using damp hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a tray or plate. This recipe should yield about 16–20 meatballs depending on size.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the Coconut Curry Sauce

In the same skillet, add red curry paste and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or naan bread.

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Tips for Perfect Meatballs

1. Don’t overmix: Mix ingredients until just combined. Overworking can make the meatballs dense.

2. Chill before cooking: If your mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.

3. Use a cookie scoop: Ensures even-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.

4. Brown first, then simmer: Browning adds flavor while finishing in the sauce keeps the meatballs moist.

5. Balance the sauce: Taste before serving. Add more lime juice for brightness, more sugar for sweetness, or extra curry paste for heat.

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Variations

• Different Protein: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or even lamb for a twist.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap meatballs for chickpea balls, tofu cubes, or even roasted cauliflower florets.

• Spicier Sauce: Add sliced fresh chili or a spoonful of chili paste for extra heat.

• Creamier Finish: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty depth of flavor.

• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas into the curry sauce to boost nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs are versatile and pair well with many sides:

• Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is the most classic choice.

• Noodles: Rice noodles or egg noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.

• Flatbread: Warm naan or pita is perfect for dipping into the curry.

• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Party dish: Make smaller meatballs and serve with toothpicks as an appetizer with the sauce on the side.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Both raw and cooked meatballs freeze well. For raw, freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked, freeze in sauce for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out the meatballs.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, about 4 servings)

• Calories: ~360

• Protein: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fat: 24g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: ~620mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then transfer to the sauce.

2. Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk gives the best flavor and texture.

3. Do I need fish sauce?
It adds a deep umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, soy sauce or tamari makes a good substitute.

4. How do I make the dish kid-friendly?
Use mild curry paste and reduce the spice level. You can also sweeten the sauce slightly more with extra brown sugar.

5. Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely. Make a big batch and portion it with rice into containers for a week’s worth of flavorful lunches or dinners.

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Final Thoughts

Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs are the kind of recipe that brings excitement to the dinner table. The combination of tender chicken meatballs and a fragrant coconut curry sauce delivers comfort and bold flavor in every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also flexible – you can adjust spice, sweetness, or protein to suit your tastes.

Serve it on a busy weeknight for a quick yet satisfying meal, or make it the star of a dinner party spread. Either way, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.