Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs 🍗🌿 (Flavorful, Juicy & Healthy)

Introduction

Love the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine but short on time? These Easy Thai Baked Chicken Meatballs deliver tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic, ginger, lime, and Thai seasonings. Baked in the oven for minimal cleanup, they’re perfect as a protein-packed dinner, appetizer, or meal prep option.

Thai-inspired meatballs often feature ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh herbs—flavors rooted in the culinary traditions of Thailand—bringing sweet, savory, and tangy notes to every bite.

Ingredients (Makes ~20 Meatballs)

1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 small carrot, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
1 egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced red chili

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground chicken
Grated carrot
Green onions
Garlic & ginger
Thai red curry paste
Soy sauce & fish sauce
Egg & breadcrumbs
Lime juice
Salt & pepper

Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form Meatballs

Roll mixture into ~1.5-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Bake 18–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and lightly golden.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Drizzle with extra lime juice or sweet chili sauce.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced red chili for added heat and aroma.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per 3 meatballs)

Calories: ~180
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 8g

High in protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free (if using almond flour).

Flavor Tips

Add chopped Thai basil for an authentic herbaceous note.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
Drizzle with peanut sauce or coconut-lime sauce for variety.
Freeze baked meatballs for quick future meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing meat (tough texture)
Using wet ingredients excessively (prevents browning)
Baking at too low a temperature (meatballs won’t brown)
Skipping lime or herbs (loses brightness)

Storage Tips

Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container
Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
Freeze uncooked or baked meatballs up to 3 months