Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken Meatballs recipe offers a delightful Indian twist on a classic dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Forget complicated procedures; this recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, ensuring a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These juicy, flavorful meatballs are a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (or more, to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup of your favorite Indian sauce (e.g., tomato-based curry sauce, korma sauce, or even a simple yogurt-based sauce).
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, onion, cilantro, garlic, ginger, green chili (if using), breadcrumbs, egg, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
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Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
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Cook the Meatballs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
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Simmer in Sauce: Pour your chosen Indian sauce over the meatballs, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This slow simmering ensures the meatballs remain juicy and tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the delicious Indian chicken meatballs hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired. They’re fantastic served with rice, naan bread, or even as part of a hearty salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Medium heat is crucial for evenly browning the meatballs without burning them.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the meatballs in batches ensures they brown properly and cook evenly.
- Simmer Gently: Low and slow simmering in the sauce infuses the meatballs with flavor and keeps them moist.
Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Sauce Selection: Experiment with different Indian sauces to create unique flavor profiles. A creamy coconut milk-based sauce would also be delicious.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meatball mixture, such as finely chopped bell peppers or peas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the sauce used. However, a general estimate for one meatball (assuming 6-8 meatballs per pound of chicken):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
This easy chicken meatballs recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal option that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this flavorful dish, and remember to share your culinary creations with friends and family! This recipe is a great example of how quick dinner ideas can be both delicious and satisfying. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes.