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A close-up of golden-brown chicken meatballs coated in shredded coconut, served on a white plate garnished with fresh herbs. The meatballs are arranged neatly with a few sprigs of cilantro and lime wedges, highlighting their crispy exterior and tropical presentation.

Tropical Coconut Chicken Meatballs: Your New Favorite Dinner!

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Discover the vibrant flavors of Tropical Coconut Chicken Meatballs – a delicious and exotic dinner option. Juicy ground chicken is combined with shredded coconut, aromatic spices, and a creamy coconut lime sauce for a tropical twist on classic meatballs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these tropical chicken meatballs are sure to become a family favorite and bring island-inspired flavors to your table.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (poultry for chicken meatballs)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (tropical flavor)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional for added flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk (for sauce)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded coconut, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to create the sauce flavor.
  5. Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs or serve on the side. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, bake the meatballs instead of frying.
  • Use freshly grated ginger and high-quality shredded coconut for maximum flavor.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Baking
  • Cuisine: Tropical
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg