Thai Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry

Jump to Recipe

When life gets chaotic—between work emails, school pickups, and that never-ending laundry pile—you need a recipe that’s warm, comforting, and pulls double duty as both dinner and a moment of escape. Enter: Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry.

This dish has been my saving grace on countless weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under an hour, and honestly tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Thai restaurant (but without changing out of your yoga pants). With hints of ginger, creamy coconut milk, and the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, it’s a weeknight win that feels like a weekend indulgence.

Let’s dive into why this cozy, flavor-packed recipe needs a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry

Think of this dish as the lovechild of your favorite Thai curry and the most tender chicken meatballs you’ve ever tasted. It’s:

Quick enough for a weeknight dinner (yes, really).
Packed with bold Thai flavors—without the takeout price tag.
A hit with picky eaters and spice lovers alike (you can dial the heat up or down).
Fancy enough for dinner guests, but easy enough for your regular Tuesday.

And that coconut curry sauce? I could honestly drink it with a straw. But let’s keep that between us.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Coconut Curry Sauce:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp lime juice
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ cup carrots, julienned
Fresh basil & cilantro for garnish

How to Make Thai Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry

Step 1: Roll and Sear the Meatballs

Mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, pepper, cilantro, and green onions in a big ol’ bowl. Use your hands—it’s the best tool here!
Roll into 1-inch balls (about the size of a ping-pong ball), and place them on a plate.

Heat the oil in a skillet and sear your meatballs in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden. No need to cook them through just yet—we’re giving them a saucy bath soon.

Step 2: Make the Magic Coconut Curry Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the onion for a few minutes until it softens and smells like dinner is happening. Add garlic and ginger—let them bloom for a minute.
Now stir in red curry paste and turmeric. Cook for just a minute to wake up those spices.

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and stir in the fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. It’s already smelling like a Thai kitchen in here, isn’t it?

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

Return your seared meatballs to the skillet. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in that golden, velvety curry. Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. (Internal temp should hit 165°F—gotta be safe!)

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors if needed—more fish sauce for saltiness, lime for tang, or a pinch more sugar if you like it sweeter.
Sprinkle with fresh basil and cilantro for a pop of brightness.

Serve these Thai chicken meatballs in coconut curry over jasmine rice or scoop it up with warm naan. Either way, it’s pure cozy comfort.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—a light touch keeps them tender.
Coconut milk tip: Use full-fat for maximum creaminess. Light coconut milk will work, but it won’t be as dreamy.
Red curry paste can vary in heat. Start with 1 tbsp, taste, and add more if your family can handle the heat.
Short on time? Make the meatballs the night before and refrigerate—dinner will be even faster.

A Little Backstory…

I first made these Thai chicken meatballs in coconut curry after a particularly rough Tuesday. You know, the kind where the coffee machine breaks, the dog throws up, and someone definitely left a crayon in the dryer.
I needed comfort food—but without the comfort calories of mac and cheese. This dish felt like a warm hug from the inside out. And my kids? Let’s just say they now call them “Mom’s magic meatballs.”

Golden chicken meatballs in coconut curry sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, served in a white bowl. — Tender chicken meatballs in coconut curry bring bold Thai flavor to your dinner table—comforting, creamy, and packed with the perfect spice.

FAQs About Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works beautifully and absorbs the curry flavors just as well.

What’s a good side for this dish?

Jasmine rice is a classic, but I’ve also served it with garlic naan or even rice noodles. Steamed broccoli makes a great veggie side.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Definitely. Let everything cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Conclusion

You don’t need a plane ticket to Thailand to enjoy bold, comforting flavors at home. This Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry recipe brings the magic straight to your table—no passport required.

So next time your week feels like a bit too much, whip this up, take a deep breath, and enjoy every creamy, herby, flavorful bite. Your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you.

Discover More Flavorful Chicken Creations

If you’re head over heels for these Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry, don’t stop here—your next favorite dish could be just one click away! Explore more globally inspired, comfort-packed recipes that bring bold flavors and easy weeknight magic straight to your kitchen:

For another dreamy coconut-based dish, try this Chicken with Coconut Kale. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of nourishing greens.
If you’re loving the Thai vibes, you’ll definitely want to dive into these Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry—a quick, crunchy, flavor-bomb alternative for busy nights.
Looking for a low-carb take on meatballs? These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are zesty, fresh, and totally meal-prep friendly.
Want something vibrant with a punch of heat and citrus? These Sweet Chili Rotisserie Chicken Bowls are bursting with flavor and come together in a snap.

These recipes are perfect companions to your Thai curry meatballs—delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to keep your dinner game exciting!