Dinner

Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Name: Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound lean ground chicken

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

These Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs are bursting with bold flavors and perfect for snacking or entertaining. Juicy ground chicken is combined with fragrant herbs and spices, then air-fried to a crispy finish. Serve them with a tangy homemade dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.

A white plate holds a group of golden-brown grilled chicken meatballs, each roughly round with a slightly uneven texture and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The meatballs are stacked loosely in the center-left of the plate with some fresh green herbs scattered around them. On the right side of the plate, a small white bowl is filled with a thick, bright red dipping sauce that has bits of herbs and spices visible inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth and gold fork and spoon set placed near the top right of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound lean ground chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air-fryer to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, ketchup, and soy sauce. Mix well and set aside 1/2 cup of this sauce for serving.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the beaten egg, panko bread crumbs, chopped green onion, minced cilantro, salt, garlic powder, and the remaining 4 tablespoons of the chili sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
Step 4: Lightly grease the air-fryer basket and arrange the meatballs in a single layer without crowding.
Step 5: Cook the meatballs for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Turn them over and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
Step 6: Remove the meatballs and serve warm with the reserved dipping sauce. Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for garnish if desired.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have an air-fryer, you can bake the meatballs in a convection oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
Use fresh lime zest in the sauce for an added citrusy brightness.
Try substituting ground turkey or pork if you prefer a different protein.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air-fryer or oven to retain crispness. The sauce can be kept separately in the fridge for the same duration. For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds about a dozen golden-brown meatballs with visible bits of herbs and red pepper, garnished with chopped green parsley. To the right side of the plate, a white bowl filled with a chunky red dipping sauce is placed. A blue cloth napkin with two gold forks rests beside the plate on the surface. The lighting is bright, showing the texture and grill marks of the meatballs clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.