Imagine a dinner that combines the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, the convenience of a one-pan meal, and the comfort of a hearty, home-cooked dish. This Green Curry Chicken Meatball Rice Bake is about to revolutionize your weeknight cooking routine! Packed with aromatic green curry, tender chicken meatballs, and perfectly cooked jasmine rice, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the streets of Thailand without leaving your kitchen. Get ready for a meal that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, 1 tablespoon green curry paste, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the chicken mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
- In the oven-safe skillet, spread uncooked jasmine rice evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Whisk together chicken broth, coconut milk, and remaining green curry paste until smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the rice, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently place the chicken meatballs on top of the rice, spacing them evenly.
- Scatter mixed vegetables around and between the meatballs.
- Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow slight browning of meatballs.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: When mixing meatballs, don't overmix the chicken mixture. This helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Rice Perfection: Use jasmine rice for authentic flavor and ensure you distribute the liquid evenly for consistent cooking.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 165°F for food safety.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap mixed vegetables based on what's in your fridge - frozen mixed vegetables work great too!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs and mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or green onions can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green curry paste quantity to match your preferred heat level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 125mg
