Meet your new weeknight hero: Butter Chicken Meatballs! This dish takes everything you crave from classic butter chicken—the velvety tomato sauce, the fragrant spices, that irresistible creamy finish—and spins it into the coziest, juiciest meatballs you’ve ever had. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a batch for future lunches, these meatballs deliver all the comfort and flavor of your favorite Indian dish, but in a fuss-free, totally craveworthy form.

Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter Chicken Meatballs come together with just a handful of pantry basics and a few fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a key role, bringing depth, color, or creaminess to every bite. Here’s why every item matters:

Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it soaks up all the flavors of the sauce and spices, forming the perfect bite-sized meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: These ensure your meatballs stay incredibly moist and hold together beautifully.
Egg: Acts as the binder so your meatballs hold their shape and don’t fall apart in the pan.
Garlic (for both meatballs and sauce): Doubles up for savory, aromatic flavor in every layer of the dish.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, peppery brightness that’s absolutely essential to Indian-inspired dishes.
Ground cumin: Brings earthy undertones that play beautifully with the tomato sauce.
Salt: Enhances all the deep, nuanced flavors.
Ground turmeric: Gives the meatballs and sauce a golden hue plus a gentle peppery flavor.
Chili powder (optional): Gives a gentle kick, but you can leave it out or add to taste.
Cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal pop to both the meatballs and as a final flourish.
Oil: Used for browning the meatballs, it brings a touch of richness and color.
Butter: The star ingredient that creates that luxurious, creamy sauce.
Onion: Sweetens and deepens the sauce as it softens down.
Tomato paste: Richness and concentrated umami—this gives the sauce body and depth.
Garam masala: The signature, warming Indian spice blend that ties it all together.
Ground coriander and paprika: Add earthiness and a vibrant color boost.
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: The juicy, tangy backbone of the sauce.
Sugar (optional): Smooths out the tomato’s sharp edge for a mellow, balanced flavor.
Heavy cream or coconut milk: Swirled in at the end for that melt-in-your-mouth finish—choose coconut milk for a dairy-free take!
Salt (for the sauce): Brings all the saucy flavors together beautifully.
Fresh cilantro: For garnish—it adds a flash of color and freshness to each serving.

How to Make Butter Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, fresh ginger, cumin, salt, turmeric, chili powder (if using), and chopped cilantro. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix everything together until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs a little tough. Once everything is well incorporated, scoop out portions and roll into 1-inch meatballs. This should make about 20–24 perfectly sized meatballs for your sauce to hug.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, arrange your meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides. Turn them occasionally for even color and to make sure they cook through—this usually takes about 6–8 minutes per batch. Once they’re done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside while you turn your attention to that gorgeous sauce.

Step 3: Start the Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. As it melts and sizzles, stir in the chopped onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until the onion turns soft and translucent, soaking up all those brown pan bits. Next, add your garlic, ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Gently cook for 1–2 minutes so the spices toast and bloom—your kitchen will smell incredible by now!

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), along with the sugar if you’re using it. Scrape up any savory bits stuck to the pan, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes, which deepens the flavors and melds the spices perfectly. Finally, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, swirling to create that iconic luscious finish. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slip the browned meatballs back into the pan, gently nestling them into the sauce. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes—the flavors will mingle, the meatballs absorb the saucy goodness, and any remaining pink in the centers will finish cooking. Spoon the thick, glossy sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle on the fresh cilantro, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Butter Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

The right garnish can take Butter Chicken Meatballs from delicious to truly unforgettable. A scattering of fresh cilantro adds brightness and color, while a swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of sliced chilis can add that “wow” factor. Try a pinch of toasted cumin seeds for a final layer of warmth and aroma.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are made for mopping up with something cozy. Serve them with pillowy basmati rice or fluffy naan to scoop up every bit of the velvety sauce. For a lighter option, they’re fantastic over steamed greens or cauliflower rice. Don’t forget to pass around extra warm bread—trust me, you’ll want every drop of that sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun appetizer, dish out individual meatballs with extra sauce in mini bowls or serve them skewered with cubes of naan. Butter Chicken Meatballs also make a stellar meatball sub tucked into toasted rolls, or as a hearty rice bowl with pickled onions and a dollop of yogurt. Guests will love this playful, unexpected spin on a traditional favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Chicken Meatballs taste just as fabulous the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making this an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or easy packed lunches.

Freezing

Both the meatballs and sauce freeze beautifully. Once cooled, pack the meatballs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results—you’ll love having a homemade Indian-inspired dinner on standby!

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure everything is steaming hot and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an easy substitute and will give you the same tender, flavor-packed meatballs. Just use the same amount and follow the directions as written.

How do I make Butter Chicken Meatballs dairy-free?

To go dairy-free, swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter in the sauce. The result is just as creamy and flavorful—no one will miss the dairy!

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Yes—Butter Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Cook them fully, let them cool, and portion into containers with rice or greens. You can refrigerate or freeze for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

How spicy are these meatballs?

That’s totally up to you! The recipe is mild as written, but you can increase the chili powder, add a dash of cayenne, or top with sliced chilis to kick up the heat to your liking.

What’s the best way to reheat Butter Chicken Meatballs?

For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water or extra cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Individual portions also reheat well in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with a recipe that’s big on comfort and even bigger on flavor, you owe it to yourself to make Butter Chicken Meatballs. This dish has all the rich, creamy, and aromatic magic of a classic curry, without the extra fuss—perfect for both family nights and impressing guests. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to favorite!

Butter Chicken Meatballs Recipe