🍗 Butter Chicken Meatballs 🍗 (Ready in 30 Minutes!) | A Fun, Flavorful Twist!
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Love butter chicken but want something new? These Butter Chicken Meatballs are here to shake up your dinner routine! Juicy, spiced meatballs are simmered in a creamy, aromatic tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep, this dish is easy, healthy, and totally delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – faster than takeout!
✅ Kid-approved – fun, bite-sized, and packed with flavor! 👨👩👧👦
✅ Meal-prep friendly – make a big batch for later! �
✅ Gluten-free & dairy-free adaptable – suits most diets!
✅ Perfect for parties – serve as an appetizer or main dish!
Ingredients 🛒
(Serves 6)
For the Meatballs
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24).
2️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 mins, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 mins until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 mins.
- Add heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir until combined.
4️⃣ Simmer the Meatballs
- Return the meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 mins until heated through.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve!
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve with naan, rice, or quinoa.
Nutrition Facts 🥗
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Cook’s Notes 🌟
🔹 Extra flavor: Add 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the sauce.
🔹 Spice it up: Add ½ tsp cayenne or chili flakes to the meatball mixture.
🔹 Vegetarian option: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken.
🔹 Make it crispy: Bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins instead of pan-frying.
🔹 Freeze leftovers: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Classic Pairing: Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan.
- Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Appetizer Idea: Skewer meatballs with toothpicks and serve as party bites.
- Side Salad: Add a fresh cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing.
Why Butter Chicken Meatballs? 🍗
This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy butter chicken in a fun, bite-sized format! The juicy, spiced meatballs pair beautifully with the creamy, aromatic sauce, creating a dish that’s fun, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile—swap in your favorite proteins, grains, or toppings to make it your own.
#ButterChickenMeatballs on Instagram! 📸
Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe, Healthy Indian Fusion Food, 30-Minute Dinner Ideas, Gluten-Free Meatballs, Meal Prep Recipes, Dairy-Free Butter Chicken
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