Irresistible Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Peanut Sauce: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Sink your teeth into tender chicken meatballs, perfectly seasoned with fresh cilantro and aromatic garlic, then generously coated in a luscious, homemade peanut sauce and sprinkled with crunchy chopped peanuts. This delightful dish is incredibly versatile, making it fantastic as an elegant appetizer for entertaining or a satisfying, flavorful main course for any night of the week.

Meatballs hold a special place in my heart when it comes to dinner time. They offer an exciting and playful way to explore a myriad of flavors we know and love, transforming familiar ingredients into something truly special. From classic Italian Chicken Meatballs simmering in marinara to the bold and zesty kick of Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs, the possibilities are endless. These particular chicken meatballs introduce an exciting new dimension to your meal rotation, offering a delectable fusion of savory chicken with the rich, nutty notes of an authentic peanut sauce.

Prepare for a taste sensation as these moist and flavorful chicken meatballs are lovingly tossed in a silky, savory-sweet peanut sauce, then finished with a generous sprinkle of crisp, chopped peanuts. The added texture creates an incredibly dynamic and enjoyable eating experience, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. This recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for over 12 years, a testament to its enduring appeal and delicious simplicity.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Chicken Meatballs

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying chicken satay or a flavorful dish like this Chicken Satay Stir Fry, you already understand the magic that happens when a rich peanut sauce meets tender chicken. This recipe takes that irresistible combination and packages it into convenient, bite-sized meatballs. These meatballs are not just moist and tender; they’re packed with an incredible depth of flavor from the inside out, thanks to a carefully selected blend of herbs and aromatics. Each meatball is then generously enrobed in a simple yet profound homemade peanut sauce, elevating the dish to gourmet status with minimal effort. I always recommend sprinkling extra peanuts over the top just before serving – that satisfying crunch adds another layer of texture that truly completes the experience.

This recipe holds a special place, being one of the very first to grace this blog. Its enduring popularity is no accident; it’s so incredibly delicious and easy to make that it has remained a frequent request and a go-to meal in our home for over a decade. Its timeless appeal lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Meatballs and Peanut Sauce

Crafting these delectable chicken meatballs and their accompanying rich peanut sauce requires a handful of accessible ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly stand out. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some tips for selection:

• Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for a healthier option, or a slightly higher fat content for juicier meatballs. Ground turkey can also be a suitable substitute if preferred.
• Fresh Cilantro: This aromatic herb adds a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy note, which is essential for the overall flavor profile. Always use fresh, finely chopped cilantro for the best results.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape and preventing them from becoming too dense. Plain breadcrumbs allow the other flavors to shine through.
• Onion: Grated onion seamlessly blends into the meatball mixture, providing moisture and a subtle sweetness without noticeable chunks. Yellow or white onions work well here.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, contributing significantly to the meatballs’ savory depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal taste.
• Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil is perfect for pan-frying the meatballs to a beautiful golden brown.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the sauce! Use a smooth, creamy peanut butter. While natural peanut butter can work, a standard creamy variety often provides a more consistent sauce texture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the savory notes of the peanut butter and soy sauce, adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich umami depth and saltiness to the peanut sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice if you’re mindful of salt intake.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! Toasted sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes.
• Chopped Peanuts: Crucial for garnish, offering a delightful crunch and reinforcing the peanut flavor profile. Roasted, unsalted peanuts are ideal.

How To Make Flavorful Peanut Chicken Meatballs: Step-by-Step Guide

For the full, detailed, and printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this post. These steps provide a clear overview to get you started!

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, freshly chopped cilantro, plain breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Form the Meatballs: Once mixed, roll the chicken mixture into uniform, approximately 1-inch balls. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking. You should get around 20-24 meatballs from this recipe.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning them every couple of minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. For a smoother, more pourable sauce, microwave it for about 15-30 seconds, then stir until well combined and warm. This gentle warming helps thin the peanut butter and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Combine and Garnish: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, drain any excess oil from the skillet if necessary. Add about half of the prepared peanut sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for dipping later. Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter and generously sprinkle with chopped peanuts for an added textural element.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Peanut Chicken Meatballs

These delightful chicken meatballs with peanut sauce are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a truly immersive experience, serving them over a bed of fluffy Jasmine rice is highly recommended. The rice not only complements the Asian-inspired flavors but also does an excellent job of soaking up every last drop of that extra delicious peanut sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. If you’re looking to round out your meal with some fantastic side dishes, consider these pairings:

• Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and healthy, roasted asparagus provides a lovely green vegetable counterpoint.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and slightly charred Brussels sprouts add a delicious bitterness and texture contrast.
• Crispy Cauliflower Fritters: A great way to add more vegetables and a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Broccoli Rice Casserole: A comforting and hearty casserole that pairs well with the rich flavors of the meatballs.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a dash of sesame oil can provide a fresh and healthy accompaniment.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, cool cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the peanut sauce.

Can I Bake The Chicken Meatballs Instead of Pan-Frying?

Absolutely! If you prefer a hands-off approach or are looking to minimize oil, baking the chicken meatballs is a fantastic alternative to pan-frying. They will still come out wonderfully tender and juicy. To bake your meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Arrange the rolled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be lightly golden brown.
• Once baked, you can proceed with tossing them in the peanut sauce as directed in the recipe.

Baking is a great option for meal prepping large batches or for busy weeknights when you want to simplify the cooking process.

More Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipes to Try

If you loved these chicken meatballs, you’re always on the hunt for simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner ideas. Here are a few more recipes from my collection that are sure to become new favorites:

• Big Mac Salad: All the flavors of your favorite burger, in a healthier salad form.
• Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner.
• Copycat KFC Bowl: A comforting, budget-friendly meal that tastes just like the restaurant version.
• Hawaiian Chicken: Sweet and savory chicken with pineapple, perfect over rice.
• Enchilada Pasta Casserole: A hearty and cheesy casserole combining two beloved dishes.
• Flautas: Crispy rolled tacos, great for a fun dinner or appetizer.
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole: All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss.

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