Description
These Chicken Dumpling Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce combine tender ground chicken meatballs infused with fresh herbs and Asian flavors, paired perfectly with a smooth, tangy peanut sauce and quick-pickled cucumbers and onions for a delightful meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
Creamy Peanut Sauce
- 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)
Pickled Cucumbers and Onions
- 2 Persian Cucumbers (sliced)
- ¼ Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- Pinch Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut sauce: Add peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and sriracha to a small blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to achieve desired consistency. Transfer sauce to a bowl and set aside.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, cilantro, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, fish sauce, panko bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Use hands to mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 24 large meatballs, adjusting size as preferred. If mixture is sticky, wet hands slightly to ease rolling.
- Cook the meatballs (air frying method): Arrange meatballs in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, doing batches if necessary.
- Cook the meatballs (baking method): Preheat oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place meatballs on pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Quick-pickle the cucumbers and onions: Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion. Toss with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside to marinate while meatballs cook.
- Serve: Once meatballs are cooked, serve over rice or preferred grains. Top with creamy peanut sauce and accompany with pickled cucumbers and onions.
Notes
- Ground chicken thigh is preferred for juicier meatballs, but breast can be used for leaner option.
- If you do not have an air fryer, baking is an excellent alternative method.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the peanut sauce based on desired spice level.
- Make sure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Quick-pickled cucumbers and onions add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich peanut sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
