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Easy Thai Chicken Meatballs Recipe - easy high protein recipe
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Easy Thai Chicken Meatballs

Tender chicken meatballs seared and simmered in a creamy coconut red curry sauce with Thai basil — a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: high protein, high protein dinner, thai chicken meatballs
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Sauce & Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp oil for searing
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 zucchini sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 14 oz coconut milk full-fat, 1 can
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture feels too sticky.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Add the sliced bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in the zucchini and cook 2 more minutes, until tender. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavors.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the fish sauce and brown sugar, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet and let everything simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Stir in the pre-cooked bell peppers, zucchini, and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt for about a minute, then squeeze in the lime juice and add the Thai basil.
  • Garnish with extra Thai basil if desired. Serve hot, ideally with jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes

Nutrition values are estimated per serving, without optional ingredients.