Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs

These Thai Red Curry Chicken Meatballs are incredibly flavored with richness and depth, yet still feel light enough for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is balanced with protein and fiber, with veggies easily swapped out to your preference. This dish will surely become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!

This recipe was inspired by my trip to Thailand and experiencing so many different flavors. I love a meatball-in-sauce type of dish and this one hits all the notes: jam packed with flavor, made in one skillet, flexible ingredients, and a nutritionally balanced meal.

If you want another meatball dish, be sure to try my Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs dish, or my Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Bowls!

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions for Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs
• Substitutions and Variations
• Storing Thai Red Curry Chicken Meatballs
• More healthy dinner ideas:
• Rate this Recipe
• Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs

Why you’ll love this Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs Recipe

1. Bold, Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home – Dare I call this better than takeout? The combination of Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and aromatic spices creates a rich, flavorful dish that tastes like it came from a high-end Thai restaurant.
2. Comforting Yet Healthy – This dish is creamy, cozy, and satisfying while still being packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and nourishing ingredients for a well-balanced meal.
3. Easy One-Pan Meal – Everything is cooked in one skillet, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Cleanup is a breeze!
4. Versatile & Customizable – Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also swap the vegetables based on preference or what you have on hand!

Ingredients

• Ground chicken – A lean and mild protein that absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for Thai-inspired meatballs.
• Thai red curry paste – A fragrant blend of chili, lemongrass, garlic, and spices, bringing heat and depth to both the meatballs and the sauce. I used this exact one!
• Panko breadcrumbs – These light and airy breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
• Egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold together while staying moist.
• Scallions – Add a mild onion flavor and a subtle sweetness to the meatballs. The whites are used within the meatballs, and the greens are used as garnish!
• Cilantro – Fresh and herbaceous, it enhances the dish with a bright, citrusy note.
• Soy sauce – Adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness to balance the flavors.
• Fish sauce – A pungent, salty ingredient that deepens the savory complexity of the dish. You can find it here, or at your local grocery store. You can also exclude this ingredient.
• Garlic – Provides a concentrated garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Ginger – Adds warmth and a gentle spice, complementing the Thai flavors.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Lime zest & juice – The zest offers bright, aromatic citrus oils, while the juice adds acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
• Yellow onion – Cooked down, it provides sweetness and depth to the curry sauce.
• Bell peppers – I like to use one red and one yellow. Their natural sweetness add both texture and vibrant color.
• Carrots – Julienned or sliced thin for a tender bite, they bring a subtle sweetness to the curry.
• Coconut milk – You can use light or full fat. The creamy base of the sauce, it mellows out the spice and creates a luscious texture.
• Olive oil – or another oil to glaze the skillet.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions for Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients together. Mix until well combined, using a spatula or your hands. Roll into 1- to 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Sear until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes total. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender.
4. Make the Curry Sauce: Into the skillet, pour in the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime zest. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs (along with any juices on the plate) to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the meatballs stay moist.
6. Finish & Serve: Stir in the lime juice just before serving. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with scallion greens, cilantro leaves, and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some simple ways to update the recipe without losing quality:

• Protein of choice – instead of using ground chicken, feel free to make Thai red curry turkey meatballs, or use beef instead!
• Vegetables – I love my red curry with onion, bell peppers, and carrots. For more of a variety of vegetables, feel free to include mushrooms, spinach, or even green beans!
• Make it hot – This dish is not very spicy on its own. Feel free to add red pepper flakes, chili crisp, or some Thai red chilis to add some heat.

Storing Thai Red Curry Chicken Meatballs

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. If there is enough sauce, you can also freeze the Thai red curry chicken meatballs for up to three months.

More healthy dinner ideas:

• Orange Shame Salmon Bites
• Pesto Chicken and White Bean Skillet
• Creamy Spinach Tuscan Salmon
• Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Rate this Recipe

If you make these Thai Red Curry Chicken Meatballs, be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! It means the world to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see what you’re making! I love to see your creations!