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Easy Thai Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Tender chicken meatballs coated in a sweet chilli lime sauce with bright Thai flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Meatballs:
  • 500 g chicken mince
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 small egg
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves very finely shredded
  • 3 Thai chillies seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves and stems finely chopped
  • Oil spray
For the Sauce:
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

Method
 

  1. Mix the meatball base: Place chicken mince in a large bowl. Add lemongrass paste, ginger, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lime leaves, chillies, and coriander. Mix gently with your hands until everything comes together. Keep the movement light so the meat stays soft.
  2. Shape the meatballs: Scoop small portions and roll into even balls. Aim for bite sized pieces so they cook evenly. Place them on a plate and lightly spray with oil.
  3. Cook the meatballs: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and turn gently until all sides turn lightly golden. Cook until the centers feel firm and cooked through, then remove from the pan.
  4. Start the sauce: Lower the heat slightly. Add minced garlic to the same pan and stir gently until fragrant. Keep the garlic soft and light in color.
  5. Build the flavor: Pour in sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir well and let the sauce bubble gently for a few minutes until slightly thick.
  6. Coat the meatballs: Return the meatballs to the pan. Spoon sauce over them and let everything simmer together briefly so the flavors soak in.
  7. Finish and rest: Turn off the heat and let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a minute. This helps the coating cling better before serving.