Butter Chicken Meatballs

Name: Butter Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup panko; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato purée (tomato passata)*; 1/3 cup full-fat, plain yogurt; 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon tumeric powder; 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; basmati rice; naan bread

Dec 30, 2022 by Asha · This post may contain affiliate links · 42 Comments

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This scrumptious, saucy dish features the most tender, delicious chicken meatballs smothered in a creamy and perfectly seasoned butter chicken sauce. The flavour is incredible and they are quick and easy; taking only 35 minutes to make. You're going to love these butter chicken meatballs!

A decorative serving bowl filled with rice and butter chicken meatballs.

This cozy dish makes a wonderful autumn meal. The spices will smell amazing while you're cooking it too. Enjoy it as a main dish with warm toasted naan bread, rice or buttery orzo to scoop up the delicious sauce. Or serve the meatballs as an appetizer at your next get-together.

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Ingredients
Substitutions
Variations
Instructions
What to serve it with
Equipment
Storage
FAQ
📖 Recipe

It's not very spicy at all, so these are great for those who don't love heat. They are fairly healthy as well; made with lean chicken and a variety of Indian spices that are packed with health benefits. As if you needed another reason to make them.

Looking for more chicken recipes? If you enjoy Thai food, Thai basil chicken is a delicious and easy stir fry that is super popular for good reason.

A hand holding a serving bowl of butter chicken meatballs and rice.

Ingredients

Ground chicken
Panko
Olive oil
Yellow onion
Garlic
Tomato purée (tomato passata) - This ingredient is raw and it is not the same as tomato sauce which comes already cooked. If you can't find it, use a blender to make your own by puréeing canned tomatoes.
Fresh ginger
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Full-fat, plain yogurt
Heavy cream
Egg
Kosher salt
Pepper
Spices - Ground coriander, garam masala, cumin, tumeric powder, and chili powder.
Granulated sugar

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Substitutions

Ground chicken - You can substitute with ground turkey in this recipe.

Variations

Add veg - If you want to add even more nutrients to this dish, try tossing in some chopped, cooked vegetables. Cauliflower or broccoli are great for this.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F / 230°C. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Chicken meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl.

In a large mixing bowl, mix meatball ingredients together. Form into rounded tablespoon-size meatballs and place on the prepared tray. Food prep gloves or some olive oil on your hands will make forming the meatballs easier.

Chicken meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.

Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. They should be cooked through (with an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and a bit crispy on the outside.

Butter chicken sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the tomato purée, yogurt, ginger, ground coriander, lemon juice, garam masala, tumeric, cumin, and chili powder. Set this sauce mixture aside for now.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for a few minutes until it starts to become translucent. Then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the sauce mixture. Bring it just to a boil, then stir in the cream, sugar and salt. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Chicken meatballs simmering in butter chicken sauce in a pan.

Mix the cooked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes. Then taste test and add salt to your preference. Serve immediately.

What to serve it with

Here are some great options for what to serve with your butter chicken meatballs for a tasty meal:

Rice - basmati is the traditional choice for butter chicken
Naan bread - a match made in heaven
Buttery orzo - or another kind of pasta
Sub roll - try something different by making your own butter chicken meatball sub sandwich
Garnish of fresh cilantro

Overhead image of butter chicken meatballs and basmati rice in a serving bowl.

Equipment

To make this recipe you will need the following:

baking sheet

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Close up image of butter chicken meatballs.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken meatballs (if there are any) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Butter chicken meatballs in a decorated serving bowl.

FAQ

What temperature should chicken meatballs be cooked to?

Chicken meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

Why is butter chicken called 'butter chicken'?

In the Indian language butter chicken is called 'murgh makhani.' Makhani means 'with butter' and refers to a dish cooked in a rich butter or cream sauce.

Is butter chicken spicy?

No, butter chicken contains spices but it is not spicy. The spice level is very mild so it is typically fine for those who can't handle spice.

What is the sauce in butter chicken made of?

Butter chicken sauce is tomato-based with mild, savoury spices and creamy dairy.

Butter chicken vs tikka masala vs chicken vindaloo

Butter chicken has a tomato-based sauce that is mildly spiced and creamy. Tikka masala, another tomato-based dish, contains similar ingredients to butter chicken but is spicier and has a stronger spice flavour. Vindaloo, on the other hand, is not traditionally cooked with tomatoes. Instead, it has a strong kick and a very spicy flavour that is slightly sour from the addition of vinegar.