Thai Chicken Meatballs in Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken meatballs in peanut sauce are a flavorful dish that combines the richness of peanut butter with aromatic herbs and spices. These tender meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, offering a delightful taste of Thai cuisine that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the peanut sauce. In a saucepan, combine the crushed peanuts, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Cook over medium heat until heated through and well combined, stirring frequently.
5. Once the meatballs are done, serve them topped with the peanut sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare and cook, including 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground chicken for a different flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili to the meatball mixture or sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground chicken with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of chopped vegetables and tofu.
• Noodle Dish: Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice noodles for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
   Yes, ground beef can be used, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
2. What can I serve with these meatballs?
   Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles to make it a complete meal.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before baking, or even freeze them for later use.
4. What type of peanut butter should I use?
   Creamy or chunky peanut butter can both work well; choose your preference.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
6. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
   The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), or the meatballs should no longer be pink in the center.
7. Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
   Yes, finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.
8. What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
   You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
9. Can I use a different sauce?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or sweet and sour for a different flavor.
10. How do I store the peanut sauce?
    Store leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Thai chicken meatballs in peanut sauce are a delicious and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes. With their tender texture and rich flavors, these meatballs make for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Try this recipe for a quick and easy dinner that brings the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine to your table!

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