Coconut Chicken Meatballs: 35 Minute, Delicious Dish

Name: Coconut Chicken Meatballs: 35 Minute, Delicious Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (minced chicken); ¼ cup chili sauce (Thai chilli sauce); 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; ½ cup cilantro (coriander), finely chopped; ⅔ cup coconut milk; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch ground black pepper, freshly ground

by Manar Jota

July 9, 2025

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Coconut Chicken Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a flavor adventure! I remember trying to recreate a dish I had on a trip to Thailand, the taste of coconut infused with savory chicken was simply unforgettable. After many attempts, I finally perfected my own version of these delicious coconut chicken balls. My signature touch? Using freshly grated ginger for that extra zing. Each bite of these tropical chicken meatballs is a burst of tropical goodness, making them a perfect appetizer or snack. Sometimes, I’ll whip up a batch of homemade coconut chicken meatballs for parties, and they’re always gone in minutes. Trust me; everyone loves these little bites of heaven. They’re even great as an easy addition to lunch, just like my cheesy garlic chicken wraps. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Coconut Chicken Meatballs

You are going to absolutely adore these coconut chicken meatballs! Trust me, they’re a total game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or an easy main course, this chicken coconut meatballs recipe is a winner. What’s not to love about these homemade coconut chicken meatballs? They’re packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Seriously, these baked coconut chicken meatballs are one of my favorite things to cook!

Bursting with tropical flavor—that hint of coconut is just *chef’s kiss*!
Easy to make in under 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Great as an appetizer or main course. Talk about versatile!
Perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week.
A crowd-pleasing dish. Seriously, everyone loves them!
Budget-friendly ingredients. No need to break the bank for deliciousness.
Gluten-free option available. Just swap out the fish sauce for tamari.
Healthier than traditional meatballs. Baked, not fried, and full of flavor!

Ingredients for Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these amazing coconut chicken meatballs. I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the final dish! So, let’s dive into what makes these chicken meatballs with coconut so special. Here’s the lowdown:

1 pound ground chicken (minced chicken): I always go for high-quality ground chicken. It really makes a difference in the flavor of these coconut infused chicken meatballs!
¼ cup chili sauce (Thai chilli sauce): This adds a spicy kick! I usually use Thai chili sauce, but feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred heat level for these tropical chicken meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Can’t skip the garlic! It provides that pungent aroma and flavor that makes these easy coconut chicken meatballs so irresistible.
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped: Fresh ginger is key here! It adds a warm, spicy note that complements the coconut perfectly in these homemade coconut chicken meatballs.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: This is my secret weapon! It adds umami and depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a milder taste in your chicken and coconut recipe.
½ cup cilantro (coriander), finely chopped: This adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that brightens up the ground chicken coconut recipes.
⅔ cup coconut milk: This adds sweetness and moisture. I always use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavor in my chicken meatballs with coconut milk. Trust me, it’s worth it!
1 pinch salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
1 pinch ground black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle spice to balance everything out.

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How to Make Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Okay, get ready to whip up some seriously delicious Coconut Chicken Meatballs! I promise, this chicken coconut meatballs recipe is super easy, and the results are just amazing. Trust me, once you smell these tropical chicken meatballs baking, you’ll be hooked! Here’s how I make my famous easy coconut chicken meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 12-cup mini muffin tin and lightly grease it. This is super important—it prevents the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! You don’t want any of your precious homemade coconut chicken meatballs getting stuck!
Step 2: Now, in a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, chili sauce, minced garlic, chopped ginger, fish sauce, chopped cilantro, and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t overmix, though; we want tender chicken meatballs with coconut, not tough ones!
Step 3: Time to get those coconut infused chicken meatballs ready for baking! Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they’re all uniform in size.
Step 4: Pop that muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of coconut and spices will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re firm to the touch and have a beautiful golden-brown color. These baked coconut chicken meatballs are a treat for all the senses!
Step 5: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the Coconut Chicken Meatballs cool slightly before serving. I like to drizzle a little extra chili sauce over them for dipping. Serve these Chicken Meatballs with Coconut warm and enjoy every single bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Want to take your coconut chicken meatballs game to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure your tropical chicken meatballs are always a hit. These little tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every single time you make these chicken meatballs with coconut. Trust me, these easy coconut chicken meatballs will become a family favorite!

Don’t skip the fresh ginger! It really makes a difference in brightening up the flavors of these homemade coconut chicken meatballs.
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, most flavorful chicken coconut meatballs recipe. It adds a creaminess that’s just divine!
A little chili sauce goes a long way! Adjust the amount to your liking, but don’t be afraid to add a little kick to these baked coconut chicken meatballs.

What’s the secret to perfect Coconut Chicken Meatballs?

The key is gentle mixing! Do not overmix the chicken mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix until just combined to keep these coconut chicken balls tender and juicy.

Can I make Coconut Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes these coconut infused chicken meatballs perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Coconut Chicken Meatballs?

Temperature matters! Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture and cooking time of the meatballs. Plus, nobody wants undercooked chicken and coconut recipe!

Best Ways to Serve Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Okay, so you’ve made these incredible Coconut Chicken Meatballs – now what? I’ve got some fantastic serving suggestions that’ll make these tropical chicken meatballs the star of any meal. Trust me, however you serve these easy coconut chicken meatballs, they’re going to be a hit. Here are a few of my go-to ways to enjoy these little bites of heaven:

Serve as a chicken coconut appetizer with a sweet chili dipping sauce. I always have a bowl of this ready to go – it’s the perfect complement to the savory chicken meatballs with coconut!
Add them to rice bowls with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This is one of my favorite ways to make a quick and healthy dinner using these homemade coconut chicken meatballs .
Use them in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing option. These baked coconut chicken meatballs are so versatile, and the crisp lettuce adds a lovely contrast to the tender meatballs.

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Nutrition Facts for Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff – what’s actually *in* these delicious Coconut Chicken Meatballs! I always like to have a general idea of the nutrition, and I bet you do too. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts for these amazing tropical chicken meatballs:

Per serving (approximately 3 chicken meatballs with coconut): Calories: 182.6, Fat: 11.6g, Protein: 14g, Carbs: 6.5g, Fiber: 0.1g.

Keep in mind that this nutritional information is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes. But hey, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying these amazing easy coconut chicken meatballs!

How to Store and Reheat Coconut Chicken Meatballs

So, you’ve got some leftover Coconut Chicken Meatballs? Lucky you! I’m always thrilled when there are extras because these tropical chicken meatballs are just as good the next day! Here’s how I keep my easy coconut chicken meatballs fresh and delicious, whether you’re storing them in the fridge or freezing them for later. Trust me, these tips will help you enjoy every last bite of these amazing chicken meatballs with coconut!

Store leftover Coconut Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before you pop them in!
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. I like to freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together!
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. To maintain moisture and that amazing flavor, add a splash of coconut milk during reheating. These homemade coconut chicken meatballs taste just as good as the first day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Chicken Meatballs

Got questions about making these scrumptious Coconut Chicken Meatballs? I’ve got answers! I know sometimes a new recipe can seem a little daunting, but trust me, this chicken coconut meatballs recipe is straightforward. Here are some of the most common questions I get about my easy coconut chicken meatballs, so you can make them perfectly every time!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for these Coconut Chicken Meatballs?

Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option or simply prefer the taste. These tropical chicken meatballs are super versatile. Will the taste be different? Yes, ground turkey has a slightly different flavor profile than ground chicken, but it still pairs beautifully with the coconut and spices. Does the cooking time need to be adjusted if I use ground turkey? Not usually, but always check for doneness. The homemade coconut chicken meatballs should be cooked through, with no pink remaining.

What dipping sauce goes well with Coconut Chicken Meatballs?

Oh, the possibilities! Sweet chili sauce is a classic and my personal favorite for these easy coconut chicken meatballs. What are other dipping sauce options? A peanut sauce, a spicy mayo, or even a simple sriracha-lime dip would be delicious with these baked coconut chicken meatballs. Can I make my own dipping sauce? Absolutely! Get creative! A homemade peanut sauce with a touch of honey and lime would be divine with these chicken meatballs with coconut.

Are these Coconut Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?

Good news for those avoiding gluten! Yes, these Coconut Chicken Meatballs can easily be gluten-free. Is there a certain ingredient I should look out for? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free fish sauce or soy sauce. Many fish sauces contain gluten, so double-check the label. What if I don’t have fish sauce? You can use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. I like to use it in my chicken and coconut recipe. Can I substitute anything else for the chili sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free? Most chili sauces are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the ingredients to be sure!

Variations of Coconut Chicken Meatballs You Can Try

Ready to mix things up with these Coconut Chicken Meatballs? I’m all about experimenting in the kitchen, and these tropical chicken meatballs are the perfect canvas for some fun variations. Whether you’re looking to make them healthier, spicier, or just a little different, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite ways to tweak these easy coconut chicken meatballs and make them your own:

Baked Coconut Chicken Meatballs: Bake them instead of frying for a healthier option. These baked coconut chicken meatballs are just as delicious and a bit lighter!
Grilled Coconut Chicken Meatballs: Grill them on skewers for a smoky flavor. Grilling adds a whole new dimension to these chicken meatballs with coconut, perfect for a summer BBQ!
Spicy Coconut Chicken Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the mixture for extra heat. If you like a kick, these homemade coconut chicken meatballs will definitely hit the spot!
Coconut Chicken Meatballs with coconut milk: Incorporate coconut milk into a sauce for serving. This enhances the coconut flavor and makes these chicken coconut meatballs recipe even more decadent!