Easy Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe Is a Indian Dinner Winner by Donna John

Meatballs are one of my favorite things to make for dinner. Meatballs are quick, easy, versatile and a budget-friendly dinner option. Indian food and spices have become another favorite of mine, so when I discovered a recipe for butter chicken meatballs, they were quickly put on the must-make recipe list.

These meatballs are made with ground chicken and bake up in the oven while you make the sauce. You don't need too many ingredients for this baked meatball recipe. Here is your shopping list: ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, an egg, butter, garam masala, ground turmeric, onion, fresh ginger, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste and heavy cream.

The Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise are not traditional in Indian food. However, the cheese added saltiness and flavor and the mayonnaise added moisture to the meatball. This was a flavorful chicken dinner that I served over brown rice with a side of broccoli. Quinoa, white rice or other grains like farro or couscous would also be a great bed for these chicken meatballs.

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Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg

Sauce

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (see Recipe Notes)
• 4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (see Recipe Notes)

Helpful Products

• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Skillet
• Salt and Pepper
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Parchment Paper
• Airtight Containers
• Garlic Press
• Pepper Grinder

Recipe Notes

• I used two cubes of Dorot Gardens ginger. I love this product! You always have fresh ginger in the freezer and don't even need to defrost it before using.

• I used evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

• You could try this meatball recipe with ground turkey or ground beef.

• For a little spice, add some ground cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine all the meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix to combine.
   
2. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375-degree F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until just cooked through.
   
3. While the meatballs cook, melt the butter in a skillet. Add the onions and season with a little salt and black pepper.
   
4. Cook the onions over medium heat until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes, stirring often.
   
5. Add the garam masala, turmeric, ginger and garlic. Stir and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 more seconds.
   
6. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven.
   
8. Put the meatballs into the sauce.
   
9. Stir to cover the meatballs in the sauce and cook until sauce reaches desired thickness.
   
10. Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice, quinoa or your favorite grain.
    

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 421

Total Fat: 37.1g

Saturated Fat: 19.6g

Cholesterol: 159mg

Sodium: 376mg

Total Carbohydrate: 10.4g

Dietary Fiber: 1.6g

Total Sugars: 3.4g

Protein: 13.3g

Vitamin D: 27mcg1

Calcium: 82mg

Iron: 2mg

Potassium: 430mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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