If you have ever dreamed of merging the comforting charm of meatballs with the rich, velvety flavors of Indian cuisine, then this Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luxuriously spiced, creamy tomato sauce create a dish that is both familiar and excitingly exotic. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together warmth, spice, and creaminess in every bite. The ease of preparation combined with deeply layered flavor makes this Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe a must-try for anyone craving bold, comforting food with a touch of flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe plays a crucial role; simple but essential, they come together to build an explosion of flavor, perfect texture, and that beautiful golden color that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 pound ground chicken: your tender, lean protein base for light and juicy meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: helps bind the meatballs, keeping them moist yet firm.
- 1 egg: acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): brings pungent, fragrant depth to the meatball mix.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: adds a fresh, zesty warmth distinctive to Indian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances all the vibrant flavors in the meatballs.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: provides a mild kick to the meat mixture.
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying): essential for browning the meatballs to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons butter: creates the base of the luscious sauce and adds richness.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): softens to sweet, savory bliss in the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): grows into deeper layers of flavor in the butter chicken sauce.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: intensifies that warm, aromatic signature of Indian cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: the star spice blend for authentic warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: lends earthiness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: brings subtle heat that melds beautifully with creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: provides a gentle golden hue and mild, earthy notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: introduces a hint of smoky sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): crucial for seasoning the sauce perfectly.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: forms the tangy, rich base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: transforms the sauce into silky, luscious comfort food.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: balances acidity from the tomatoes and spices.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): adds a fresh, herbal brightness to complete the dish.
How to Make Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. The breadcrumbs and egg work as binders, ensuring your meatballs hold together while staying moist and tender. Once everything is evenly mixed, gently shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up the rich sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully add the meatballs. Let them fry until they develop a golden crust on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This browning step locks in juices and adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender interior. Once cooked through, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside—your kitchen is already smelling incredible!
Step 3: Build the Butter Chicken Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and ginger, allowing them to cook just until aromatic, about one minute. Next, sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt. Toasting these spices gently unlocks their essential oils and creates the deep, signature flavor of your sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Combine
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly. After this, stir in the heavy cream and sugar to bring luscious creaminess and balanced sweetness. Return your browned meatballs to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the spiced, creamy sauce. Simmer everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes until the meatballs absorb the sauce’s flavors and are heated through.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh cilantro is the perfect finishing touch for this dish. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herbal brightness that beautifully complements the rich, creamy sauce and spices. You can also sprinkle a little extra garam masala or a drizzle of cream for added flair.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine alongside fluffy basmati rice or buttery naan bread, which are ideal for soaking up every last bit of that sumptuous sauce. For a lighter or lower-carb option, steamed cauliflower rice or a fresh cucumber salad offer refreshing contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe as an appetizer on skewers with a side of mint chutney, or spoon them over roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner bowl. You could even stuff them into pita pockets with crisp greens and a dollop of yogurt for a fusion-style sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Chicken Meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more indulgent. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs either cooked or uncooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatballs stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in sauce on the stovetop.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat the meatballs slowly in a skillet with some sauce over low to medium heat. This prevents drying out and helps the meatballs absorb the sauce’s flavors again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely creamy texture and avoid splitting the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk. This tweak keeps the sauce rich and creamy while accommodating dairy sensitivities.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. Just be aware it’s a bit leaner, so you might want to add a touch more oil or moisture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
How spicy is this Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, thanks to moderate amounts of chili powder and warming spices. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne to suit your taste.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a hands-off cooking method. Arrange the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden. Then finish them in the sauce as usual.
What can I serve with these meatballs for a complete meal?
Traditional sides like steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread pair perfectly. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber-yogurt raita salad complement the richness beautifully and add variety to your plate.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to this incredible Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe and you’ll discover a new favorite that combines the best of hearty comfort food with vibrant Indian flavors. It’s wonderfully versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with this soul-warming, flavor-packed dish!
Print
Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Butter Chicken Meatballs combine tender ground chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy, and spiced tomato sauce inspired by classic Indian flavors. Cooked on the stovetop, they deliver a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for serving with rice, naan, or a low-carb alternative.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, then shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Fry the meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown on all sides and are cooked through. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir and cook the spices for 1 minute until fragrant, which will deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Simmer tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and sugar, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then, return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them well with the sauce.
- Simmer with meatballs: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the meatballs and sauce just before serving. Serve hot with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil.
- Serve alongside steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
