Name: Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 Pounds Ground Chicken (breast or thigh, thigh preferred); 3 Green Onions (thinly sliced); ⅓ Cup Cilantro (finely chopped); 2 Tablespoons Freshly Grated Ginger (or 2 tsp ground ginger); 3 cloves garlic (mashed); 2 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil; 2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce; ½ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs; 1 Egg; 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; ¾ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter; ⅓ Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce; 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup; ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar; 3 Cloves Garlic; 2 Tablespoons Sriracha; 2-3 Tablespoons Water (if needed to thin); 2 Persian Cucumbers (sliced); ¼ Red Onion (thinly sliced); 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar; Pinch Salt

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you love bold flavors and irresistible textures wrapped into an easy-to-make dish, you’re going to adore this Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, perfectly complemented by a luscious, velvety peanut sauce that adds a creamy, nutty kick. This recipe brings together the comfort of dumplings and the fun of meatballs in a way that’s fresh, exciting, and downright delicious. It’s comfort food with an adventurous twist, perfect for sharing with family or surprising your friends at your next dinner gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface, including two blocks of raw ground meat with a pink color on white parchment paper atop a white plate on the left side; a speckled white-green ceramic plate in the lower center holds three separate piles: thin slices of cucumbers in light green, thin slices of red onion in purple, and green leafy cilantro to the right of the onions. Surrounding these are small bowls and jars filled with light brown creamy sauce, minced pale yellow garlic, finely chopped green onions in a wooden bowl, and bright red liquid in glass jars, alongside a small white ceramic container with dark soy sauce, a raw brown egg, a metal measuring cup with beige breadcrumbs, a small pile of coarse white salt in a green bowl, and several sprigs of fresh cilantro laid out with a halved red onion at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you—these ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the unforgettable taste, texture, and color that make this recipe shine.

2 Pounds Ground Chicken: Using thigh meat adds juiciness, while breast keeps it lean—your choice for the perfect meatball base.
3 Green Onions (thinly sliced): These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
⅓ Cup Cilantro (finely chopped): Bright and herbal, cilantro lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
2 Tablespoons Freshly Grated Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty note that’s essential in balancing the richness.
3 Cloves Garlic (mashed): Garlic amps up the savoriness and aroma.
2 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty depth that enhances every bite.
2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce: Salty umami magic that intensifies all the flavors in the meatballs.
½ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender and light.
1 Egg: Binds everything together for perfectly formed meatballs.
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Highlights all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle peppery warmth.
¾ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter: The soul of the peanut sauce, giving that luscious, nutty creaminess.
⅓ Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness and saltiness in the sauce.
3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup: Offers a touch of natural sweetness for that perfect harmony.
¼ Cup Rice Vinegar: Brings acidity that cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
3 Cloves Garlic (for the sauce): Infuses the peanut sauce with vibrant, garlicky undertones.
2 Tablespoons Sriracha: Gives the sauce a gentle but satisfying spicy kick.
2-3 Tablespoons Water: To thin the sauce to your ideal consistency.
2 Persian Cucumbers (sliced): Cool, crisp, and refreshing for the quick-pickled side.
¼ Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and a pop of color to the pickles.
2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (for pickling): Creates that tangy, quick-pickle magic.
Pinch Salt (for pickles): Enhances the brightness and snap of the veggies.

How to Make Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Sauce

The rich sauce is the heartbeat of this dish. Combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and sriracha in a small blender. Blend until silky smooth, adding a splash of water to bring it to the perfect pourable consistency. This luscious sauce is packed with nutty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that marry beautifully with the chicken meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, fragrant cilantro, grated ginger, mashed garlic, toasted sesame oil, fish sauce, panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands—trust me, it’s the best way—to mix everything together evenly. Getting your hands in there also lets you connect with the food before it hits the pan!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Once combined, roll the mixture into roughly 24 large meatballs. If the mixture feels sticky, simply wet your palms with a little water, which makes the rolling process smooth and enjoyable. Whether you prefer giant meatballs or bite-sized, this step can be adjusted to your liking.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs to Perfection

You have options here—an air fryer or oven works beautifully. For the air fryer, arrange the meatballs in a single layer and cook at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping as needed. If baking, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and bake at the same temperature for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Either way, you get that ideal balance of juicy inside and lightly crisp exterior.

Step 5: Quick-Pickle the Cucumbers and Onions

While the meatballs cook, thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion, then toss them with the rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Letting them sit even for a few minutes transforms these simple veggies into vibrant, tangy pickles that add a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs and creamy sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Serve your hot chicken dumpling meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite grains. Drizzle generously with the creamy peanut sauce, and top with the quick-pickled cucumbers and onions. The combination of warm, savory meatballs with cool, tangy pickles and smooth peanut sauce is nothing short of magical.

How to Serve Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions make excellent garnishes, adding a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can give an extra layer of texture and nuttiness. For those who love heat, a dash more sriracha or sliced red chili peppers on top will elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with simple sides that soak up the peanut sauce. Think fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed or stir-fried greens such as bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli add a lovely crunch and fresh balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit adventurous, serve the meatballs as appetizers on skewers, drizzled with the peanut sauce for finger-friendly bites. Another fun idea is to build a bowl with noodles, roasted vegetables, meatballs, and a generous pour of peanut sauce for a satisfying meal in a bowl that’s both beautiful and scrumptious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, store your meatballs and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and makes reheating better since the meatballs won’t get soggy from the sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. The peanut sauce freezes well too, but it may need a good stir or slight thinning after thawing. Freeze for up to three months for best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, or microwave covered. Warm the peanut sauce separately and mix together just before serving to keep that creamy texture intact and fresh. This simple reheating technique brings the dish back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the flavors in this recipe. Keep in mind turkey breast tends to be leaner, so the meatballs might be a bit less juicy compared to using chicken thigh.

How spicy is the creamy peanut sauce?

The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe suggests two tablespoons for a balanced kick, but you can adjust it to your taste—add more for heat or less for a milder sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground nuts, and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce. This keeps the dish just as delicious without gluten concerns.

Is it better to bake or air fry the meatballs?

Both methods work well. Air frying gives a slightly crispier exterior in less time, while baking is easy and hands-off for larger batches. Choose based on your kitchen setup and preferences.

How long does the quick-pickled cucumber and onion last?

The quick pickles are best eaten within 2-3 days when refrigerated. They keep their crispness and tang during this time, making them a perfect accompaniment when fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings excitement and warmth to your table without complicated techniques. It’s the perfect dish when you want something fresh, flavorful, and a little different from the usual. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, it’s going to be a new favorite!