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Jalapeño Coconut Curry Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

These Jalapeño Coconut Curry Chicken Meatball Bowls offer a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring tender baked chicken meatballs infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, served over fragrant coconut rice with sautéed vegetables and drizzled with a creamy yellow coconut curry sauce. This wholesome dish balances heat from jalapeños with the sweetness of coconut milk and maple syrup, perfect for a comforting yet healthy dinner.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds included)
  • ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
  • ¼ cup finely chopped basil
  • ¼ cup finely diced green onion
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon yellow curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the veggies + coconut rice:

  • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • ¼ cup sliced green onion (white part only)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 12 oz green beans, ends trimmed and cut into roughly 2 inch long pieces
  • 1 (15 oz) can light or full fat coconut milk
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup jasmine white rice
  • 1 large red bell pepper, julienned

For the yellow coconut curry sauce:

  • ⅓ cup light or full fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
  • ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon red cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To garnish:

  • Lime wedges
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup julienned basil
  • ¼ cup sliced green onion (green part only)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, diced jalapeño including seeds, finely chopped cilantro, basil, green onion, ground turmeric, yellow curry powder, cumin, and kosher salt. Use clean hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined.
  3. Form meatballs: Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 14-16 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking.
  4. Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. Remove from oven and set aside.
  5. Cook the rice and vegetables: Heat virgin coconut oil in a large deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of green onions. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
  6. Add vegetables: Add sliced carrots and trimmed green beans to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes to slightly soften and combine flavors.
  7. Simmer rice: Pour in coconut milk, water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer then stir in the jasmine rice. Cover immediately, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  8. Finish rice: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and gently fold in the julienned red bell pepper. Cover again, turn off the heat, and let the rice steam with the bell pepper for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  9. Prepare the coconut curry sauce: While the meatballs and rice cook, whisk together the coconut milk, tahini, grated garlic, maple syrup, yellow curry powder, freshly grated ginger, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Assemble bowls: Divide the coconut rice and sautéed vegetables evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with 3-4 warm meatballs.
  11. Drizzle sauce and garnish: Generously drizzle the yellow coconut curry sauce over the meatballs and rice. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro, julienned basil, and the green parts of sliced green onion for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken or turkey depending on preference; both work well in this recipe.
  • Include jalapeño seeds if you prefer extra heat; remove them for a milder flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • You can swap jasmine rice for basmati rice if desired, though cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapeño quantities to suit your heat tolerance.
  • The coconut curry sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Ensure meatballs are spaced well on the baking sheet for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee meatballs are cooked safely to 165°F.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Southeast Asian/Western)
  • Diet: Low Fat