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Healthy Thai Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce

These Healthy Thai Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce are a flavor-packed, protein-rich meal that brings the essence of authentic Thai cuisine to your kitchen. Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with red curry paste, cilantro, and scallions are tossed in a silky, creamy peanut-coconut sauce that’s rich, nutty, and slightly spicy. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste — perfect for anyone craving a healthy Thai-inspired comfort food at home.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 can 398 ml coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Pinch of chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Chicken Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, cilantro, fish sauce, red curry paste, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Shape and Cook:

  • Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown.

Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add red curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

  • Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm peanut sauce. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use lean ground chicken or turkey for a healthier twist.
  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less curry paste.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a bit of coconut milk or broth.
  • These meatballs are great for meal prep — store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.