Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken meatballs, a creamy peanut sauce, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. The combination of red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk makes the sauce rich and aromatic, while the sambal oelek adds a perfect kick. Served over coconut rice, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1.1 pounds (500g) ground chicken

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp garlic, grated

• 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

• ½ tsp sambal oelek (or chili paste)

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 tbsp corn starch

• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 garlic cloves, grated

• 2 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 bok choy, chopped

• 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste

• 1 tsp sambal oelek (or chili paste)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) unsweetened coconut milk (full fat)

• ½ cup peanut butter

• 1 tsp honey

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• ½ lime, juiced

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup jasmine rice

Toppings:

• Toasted peanuts

• Fried onions

• Chives

• Cilantro

• Chili pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sambal oelek, egg yolk, corn starch, and cilantro. Mix gently until combined. Roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs:
   Heat oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute. Add bok choy and cook for another minute. Stir in red curry paste and sambal oelek. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add coconut milk, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:
   Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Add more chicken broth if needed.

5. Prepare the Coconut Rice:
   In a separate pot, combine coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Add rice, cover, and cook on low for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

6. Serve:
   Serve the meatballs and peanut sauce over the coconut rice. Top with toasted peanuts, fried onions, cilantro, and chili pepper. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 712 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 39g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Sodium: 1369mg

• Potassium: 1508mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 10,139 IU

• Vitamin C: 98mg

• Calcium: 287mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Chicken Meatballs: A Tender and Flavorful Base

The chicken meatballs in this dish serve as the heart of the meal. Using ground chicken instead of beef or pork creates a lighter, leaner meatball that still delivers great flavor. The key to making these meatballs tender and juicy lies in the combination of ingredients like grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sambal oelek, and egg yolk. These ingredients work together to infuse the chicken with flavor, while the cornstarch helps bind the meatballs and ensures they stay moist as they cook.

By browning the meatballs in a combination of oil and butter, you get a crispy, golden exterior, while the interior remains tender and juicy. The addition of cilantro gives a fresh, herby element to the meatballs, balancing the richness of the peanut sauce and providing a burst of flavor. The sambal oelek, or chili paste, adds a subtle heat, making these meatballs anything but ordinary. When combined with the creamy peanut sauce, the meatballs offer the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors.

The Rich Peanut Sauce: Creamy and Aromatic

The peanut sauce in this dish is what takes it to the next level, infusing the meatballs with a rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. Made from peanut butter, coconut milk, chicken broth, and a variety of seasonings, the sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spice. Red curry paste gives the sauce an aromatic depth, while the addition of fish sauce and soy sauce adds complexity and umami.

The coconut milk in the sauce creates a luscious base that helps bind all the ingredients together, giving the sauce a silky, velvety texture. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat from the sambal oelek, making the sauce both savory and slightly sweet. When the meatballs are simmered in the sauce, they soak up all these rich flavors, becoming even more tender and flavorful. The result is a creamy, spicy, and aromatic sauce that envelops the meatballs, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

The Coconut Rice: A Fragrant and Perfect Side

The coconut rice served with Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce provides the ideal foundation for this flavorful dish. Made with coconut milk and chicken broth, the rice becomes infused with the sweet, creamy flavor of coconut, which complements the richness of the peanut sauce and the tender meatballs. Jasmine rice is typically used for this dish, as its fragrant, slightly sticky texture helps to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making each bite more satisfying.

The coconut rice also adds a subtle sweetness that helps balance the heat of the sambal oelek and the savory flavors of the meatballs and sauce. Its aromatic qualities make it an essential part of the dish, as it acts as a neutral base that allows the bold flavors of the meatballs and sauce to shine. The rice’s delicate flavor and texture create a beautiful contrast with the rich and spicy peanut sauce, making the dish feel complete and well-rounded.

The Vegetables: Fresh and Crunchy Bok Choy

Bok choy is the vegetable of choice in this dish, adding a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce and tender meatballs. Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage, known for its mild flavor and crisp texture. When sautéed briefly with garlic and ginger, it softens just enough to absorb the flavors of the sauce without losing its crunchy bite. The bok choy also adds a dose of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.

While bok choy is the primary vegetable used in this recipe, you can also experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or spinach, depending on what you have available. These vegetables will add additional color, texture, and nutrition, making the dish even more versatile and customizable.

The Toppings: Crunch and Freshness

The toppings for this dish elevate it further, adding both texture and a burst of freshness. Toasted peanuts are a must, as their crunch and nutty flavor provide a contrast to the creamy peanut sauce and tender meatballs. They also add an additional layer of flavor that complements the richness of the dish.

Fried onions are another great addition, offering a crispy, savory topping that brings a delicious crunch and umami flavor to each bite. Chives, cilantro, and chili pepper slices add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the dish. The cilantro also adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the savory and creamy components of the dish, while the chili pepper provides an extra kick of heat for those who prefer a spicier meal.

The Balance of Flavors: Sweet, Salty, and Spicy

What makes Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce truly special is the perfect balance of flavors. The dish combines sweet, salty, and spicy elements, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that is satisfying in every bite. The peanut sauce’s sweetness from the honey and coconut milk balances the heat from the sambal oelek, while the saltiness from the soy sauce and fish sauce adds depth to the overall flavor. The ginger and garlic in both the meatballs and the sauce contribute aromatic warmth, making every bite feel comforting and satisfying.

The coconut rice serves as the perfect neutral base, allowing the bold flavors of the peanut sauce and meatballs to take center stage. The bok choy adds a fresh and crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the sauce and the softness of the meatballs. The variety of textures—crispy peanuts, tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and crunchy vegetables—ensures that each bite is an exciting and flavorful experience.

Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce is not only a delicious dish but also a nutritious one. The ground chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The coconut milk used in the peanut sauce is rich in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy and support metabolism. The bok choy adds fiber and a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making the dish well-rounded from a nutritional perspective.

The peanut butter in the sauce provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health and helping to maintain satiety. Additionally, the use of low-sodium soy sauce and the option to control the level of spice allows you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences. The coconut rice, while slightly higher in carbs, is still a nutritious choice, providing a good source of fiber and a creamy, satisfying base.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Quick, and Nutritious Meal

In conclusion, Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken meatballs, a creamy peanut sauce, and fragrant coconut rice. The combination of rich, aromatic flavors and textures—tender meatballs, creamy sauce, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant rice—makes this dish a standout. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that’s sure to impress guests, Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce delivers both comfort and excitement. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and filled with bold flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Thai cuisine. With its balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.