Chicken Meatball Curry Recipe

If you’re looking for something cozy, colorful, and unbelievably flavorful, Chicken Meatball Curry is about to become your new weeknight champion. Plump, juicy chicken meatballs get nestled in a creamy spiced coconut-tomato sauce, soaking up every bold and fragrant element. With just the right balance between tender meatballs and a rich curry gravy, it’s a dish that feels gourmet yet brings all the warmth and comfort of home cooking—perfect with fluffy rice or pillowy naan. This Chicken Meatball Curry delivers a true celebration of taste in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each simple ingredient adds a layer of depth, aroma, or satisfaction. Whether it’s the aromatic spices or creamy coconut milk, every component deserves a starring role. Gather these pantry and fridge staples and get ready for a dish that punches way above its weight in flavor!

• Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the spices in the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: These give structure and lightness, helping the meatballs hold together beautifully.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to ensure the meatballs are moist but never crumbly.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a burst of herbal freshness in both the meatballs and as a garnish.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for both the meatballs and the sauce, contributing bold aroma and flavor.
• Ginger (grated): Lends zesty warmth, another signature note in both the curry and the meatballs.
• Ground cumin: Earthy and nutty, this spice lays the foundation for complex curry notes.
• Garam masala: A fragrant Indian spice blend that’s key to achieving authenticity in both meatballs and sauce.
• Turmeric: Bright and golden, turmeric brings beautiful color and subtle earthiness.
• Chili powder: Infuses gentle heat and a touch of vibrant red hue.
• Salt: Don’t skimp—salt heightens all the flavors in both meatballs and curry sauce.
• Oil: Keeps the meatballs juicy and helps sauté the aromatics for the sauce.
• Onion (finely chopped): Builds a sweet, savory backbone for the curry base.
• Curry powder: Adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the sauce.
• Ground coriander: Delivers lemony undertones pairing beautifully with tomatoes and coconut milk.
• Paprika: Sweet and a bit smoky, it gives subtle depth of flavor and more gorgeous color.
• Crushed tomatoes (canned): Brings tang, body, and a beautiful red hue to the curry gravy.
• Coconut milk (canned): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and balances the spices.
• Chicken broth: Provides just enough savory liquid for simmering the meatballs in the sauce.
• Lemon (juice of 1/2): Such a simple addition, but it brightens and balances the whole curry before serving.
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish): That finishing flourish of green freshness makes every serving pop.
• Black pepper: Season the recipe to taste, ensuring just the right kick at the end.

How to Make Chicken Meatball Curry

Step 1: Mix & Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped cilantro, minced garlic and ginger, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a big bowl. Mixing gently by hand keeps the texture light—just combine until everything holds together. Then, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs; you should get about 16, which means plenty to go around.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, brown the meatballs for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even, golden color. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through—that magic happens later in the curry. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Curry Base

Into that same skillet, add another splash of oil and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté until softened and golden, about 5 minutes; this forms a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Next, add the second round of minced garlic and ginger, then sprinkle in curry powder, coriander, and paprika. Let everything sizzle for a minute—your kitchen should smell incredible at this stage!

Step 4: Simmer Tomatoes and Coconut Milk

Pour in your can of crushed tomatoes and let the mixture bubble away for 5 minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. Then, stir in the coconut milk and chicken broth, mixing until smooth and silky. This is where the curry base gets its luscious, velvety body and rich taste.

Step 5: Add Meatballs and Finish Cooking

Now it’s time for the stars to return: nestle your chicken meatballs back into the bubbling curry. Make sure they’re mostly covered in sauce, then cover the skillet and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. When the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened beautifully, stir in that squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, shower the dish with extra chopped cilantro, and sprinkle over some black pepper. This is the moment your Chicken Meatball Curry becomes dining room-art: vibrant, aromatic, and ready to scoop up with rice or naan.

How to Serve Chicken Meatball Curry

Garnishes

I love to top my Chicken Meatball Curry with a flurry of freshly chopped cilantro and a crack of black pepper. For an extra pop, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or even a swirl of coconut milk atop each bowl make things look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This curry is a perfect match for a mound of steamed basmati rice, soaking up every drop of the creamy tomato-coconut gravy. But don’t stop there—fluffy naan, roti, or even a crisp cucumber salad elevate the meal into a comforting Indian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Chicken Meatball Curry into individual serving bowls with a dollop of yogurt or a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to customize. Want to go family-style? Serve it straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, communal touch. It’s also stunning in a shallow platter with mint sprigs and slivers of pickled onion for color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Meatball Curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen, making your next meal even more satisfying!

Freezing

Both the uncooked meatballs and the finished curry freeze well. Freeze raw or browned meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. The cooked curry can be cooled and portioned into freezer-safe containers—just thaw and reheat for a flavorful, fuss-free meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Meatball Curry, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute for chicken. The texture and flavor fit seamlessly into this curry, so you won’t miss a beat. Just follow the same steps and enjoy a twist on the classic Chicken Meatball Curry.

How spicy is Chicken Meatball Curry?

This curry has a gentle warmth, but it’s very easy to adjust. Prefer more heat? Add extra chili powder or toss in some fresh green chilies. If you like things mild, simply reduce the chili to your taste—the coconut milk helps mellow the spices, too.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Swap out regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The taste and texture will remain fantastic, making Chicken Meatball Curry a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

You sure can! Shape and brown the meatballs, then keep them in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them until you’re ready. This makes putting together Chicken Meatball Curry on a busy night almost effortless.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Good news: this recipe is already dairy-free, thanks to lush coconut milk. You can also check your breadcrumbs, opting for a dairy-free brand to keep your Chicken Meatball Curry friendly to all diners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal with big flavor and a whole lot of heart, give Chicken Meatball Curry a try. Whether you’re cooking for family or spicing up a weeknight for yourself, this dish delivers warmth, color, and downright happiness in every spoonful. Invite some friends, dish up, and savor every bite!

Print