Name: Thai Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 large egg; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon grated garlic; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime); 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed to thin the sauce); Sliced green onion; Fresh cilantro leaves; Sesame seeds

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, this Thai Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, juicy meatballs soaked in a luscious sweet chili sauce are perfect for game day, family dinners, or even casual gatherings where you want to impress your friends with something lively and homemade. The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and that irresistible sticky sauce makes every bite a celebration of Thai-inspired goodness that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding five main layers of ingredients. The largest layer is pale pink ground meat, loosely shaped and sitting on the left center. Near the bottom left is a whole raw egg yolk, bright yellow with clear whites around it. To the right of the egg yolk and partially underneath the ground meat is a light beige grainy mixture resembling breadcrumbs. Above the breadcrumb layer is a pile of finely chopped dark green herbs. At the top center of the bowl, there is a small dollop of pale yellow minced garlic, and next to it on the right side is a small amount of bright red sauce. The layers are neatly arranged and clearly separated. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, ensuring vibrant flavor, moist texture, and an eye-catching presentation. While the ingredient list is straightforward, each element is essential, coming together to create the perfect harmony in your Thai chicken meatballs.

Ground chicken: The lean protein base that stays juicy and tender when baked carefully.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping your meatballs perfectly shaped and moist.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light texture while absorbing flavors and keeping the meatballs from being dense.
Sweet chili sauce (for mix-in and for serving): Brings the signature Thai sweet heat and sticky glaze to the dish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and umami without overpowering the freshness.
Minced fresh cilantro: Offers a fragrant herbal lift that brightens the entire dish.
Grated garlic: Infuses the meatballs with a warm, pungent background flavor.
Fresh ginger: Gives a subtle spicy zing that complements the sweet chili sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty aroma and helps keep the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.
Lime juice: Provides zesty brightness to the sweet chili sauce for a balanced tang.
Water: Used to thin the sauce so it’s perfectly pourable and clings to the meatballs.
Green onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds: Stunning garnishes that add fresh color, crunch, and subtle flavor boosts.

How to Make Thai Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to keep cleanup easy. Drizzle sesame oil on the baking sheet and rub it in with your hands—this not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that starts building your dish’s complexity right from the start.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced cilantro, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until evenly incorporated. This mixture should feel moist but firm enough to shape.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using about 1½ tablespoons of the chicken mixture per meatball, roll each into a smooth ball. Place them carefully on the oiled baking sheet at least an inch apart to allow for even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll notice their edges turn lightly golden, and they should be juicy and tender on the inside—ready to absorb the luscious sweet chili sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sweet Chili Sauce

While the meatballs bake, whisk together a half cup of sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, and one tablespoon of water in a bowl. If the sauce feels too thick, add an extra tablespoon of water to reach your preferred consistency—something pourable but still sticky enough to cling to the meatballs beautifully.

Step 6: Toss and Coat

Once your meatballs are out of the oven and still warm, gently toss them in the prepared sweet chili sauce. Make sure each meatball is nicely coated—this is where all the magic happens, turning simple protein into a finger-licking, flavor-packed appetizer or meal centerpiece.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with sixteen raw meatballs arranged in rows. Each meatball is light pink in color with small green herb pieces and tiny white and red bits mixed throughout. The meatballs have a smooth but slightly textured surface and are evenly spaced on the tray, which has a ridged pattern and slight discoloration from use. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and bite while fragrant cilantro leaves refresh the palate after every flavorful mouthful. Don’t forget a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and a lovely visual touch that makes your dish pop!

Side Dishes

These Thai chicken meatballs shine alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up the sweet chili sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve them with lightly sautéed veggies or a crisp Asian slaw to add texture and freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For party settings, thread meatballs on colorful skewers for easy serving and eating. Or pile them on a platter with extra sauce drizzled on top, surrounded by lime wedges and herbs for a vibrant, inviting look. These presentation ideas turn your kitchen creation into an irresistible centerpiece everyone will be eyeing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate until serving will preserve the texture and flavor best.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze uncooked meatballs arranged on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze cooked meatballs tossed in sauce, but keep in mind the texture might soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave them covered to prevent drying out. If they’re frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully here and can be a great alternative if you prefer a slightly different flavor or leaner meat. Just monitor the cooking time as turkey can dry out quickly.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

You could try using mashed chickpeas or a plant-based ground meat substitute combined with the same seasonings, although the texture and flavor will differ. Pair with a sweet chili sauce just like in the original for that distinctive taste.

How can I make the meatballs spicier?

Add finely chopped fresh chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture. You can also use a hotter sweet chili sauce or drizzle some sriracha on top when serving to crank up the heat.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, baking is actually preferred for even cooking and less mess. Plus, the hands-off method lets you prepare sauce or sides while the meatballs cook perfectly in the oven.

What’s the best way to tell when meatballs are done?

Using a meat thermometer is foolproof—look for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked yet still juicy and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Thai Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for its wonderful simplicity and incredible flavor. Whether as a casual snack or part of a festive meal, these meatballs bring warmth, brightness, and a touch of exotic charm to your table. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and enjoy every delicious bite!