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Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.6 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

These Butter Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Indian butter chicken dish. Tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, perfect for serving over rice or with naan.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For Serving:

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked rice or naan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, salt, and pepper. Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the meatballs for 6–8 minutes, then set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add spices, tomato sauce, and simmer. Stir in cream, yogurt, and salt.
  4. Simmer: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes instead of pan-searing.
  • The flavors develop more the next day.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 435
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg