Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant warmth of Indian spices with the comfort of perfectly crafted meatballs – this Curried Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Chili Sauce is about to become your new culinary obsession! Packed with bold flavors and a creamy, tantalizing sauce, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will transport your senses straight to the bustling streets of India. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to break out of your weeknight dinner routine, these meatballs promise a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, egg, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, shape the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-16 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, pour diced tomatoes and chili paste, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in coconut milk, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the tomato chili sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure meatballs are heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Tips
- Mixing Technique: When combining meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so just mix until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a small ice cream scoop or wet hands to create evenly sized meatballs. This ensures consistent cooking and presentation.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Garnish Game: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of yogurt can elevate the final presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
