Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs: Flavorful and Healthy
These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs will make you love meatballs even more! These meatballs are very delicate and bursting with flavor because to the addition of traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, and lime. This dish provides a tasty and healthy substitute for classic fried meatballs and is ideal for meal prep, a light supper, or an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 green onions, finely minced (ends trimmed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 lime, zested
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Instructions
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- Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, egg, lime zest, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, kosher salt, and sweet chili sauce. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs using your hands or a little cookie scoop. To guarantee equal cooking, place them on the prepared baking sheet, somewhat apart.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. A temperature of 165°F (74°C) should be reached within.
- Serve : Serve the meatballs hot with an extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce on the side. Pair them with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also make an excellent appetizer for parties!
Tips:
1. Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and high-quality coconut milk make all the difference in this dish.
2. Don’t overmix the meat mixture: Mix the ingredients just until combined to prevent tough meatballs.
3. Add some crunch with toasted peanuts: Sprinkle some toasted peanuts on top of the meatballs for added crunch and flavor.
4. Experiment with different levels of spiciness: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or fewer Thai chili peppers.
5. Make ahead for a quick dinner: Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and bake just before serving for a quick and easy dinner.
Health Benefits:
1. Supports Healthy Weight: The lean protein and fiber in this dish can help support healthy weight and weight loss.
2. May Help Reduce Inflammation: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the Thai chili peppers and coconut milk may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
3. Supports Immune System: Chicken contains vitamin B6, which is essential for immune system function and may help reduce the severity of colds and flu.
Conclusion
These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, making them a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a healthy snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen
Nutrition Information (per serving):
1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 25g
3. Fat: 12g
4. Saturated Fat: 4g
5. Cholesterol: 60mg
6. Carbohydrates: 10g
7. Fiber: 2g
8. Sugar: 5g
9. Sodium: 350mg