Name: Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 3 tbls fish sauce; 1/2 small onion, minced; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 stalk lemongrass, tender white inside part only, minced; 3-4 tbls chopped cilantro; 1 tbls chopped mint; 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; Few grinds of fresh black pepper; Granulated sugar for rolling the meatballs, about 1/4 cup

Jump to Recipe

Tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh Southeast Asian flavor, these Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs will steal the spotlight at any table. Packed with herbs, zesty aromatics, and the signature seasoning of fish sauce, this easy recipe brings a taste of Vietnam straight to your kitchen. They’re irresistibly savory with a hint of sweetness on the outside—and so versatile that you can enjoy them as a main, a snack, or even party appetizers. If you’re ready to bring something truly special (and remarkably simple) to your next meal, these Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs are your new go-to dish!

Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Each one, from crisp lemongrass to fresh herbs, plays a unique role in building the irresistible taste and juicy texture of these Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs. Keep these on hand, and you’re halfway to a stunning meal!

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, this makes the perfect canvas to soak up all the vibrant flavors.
Fish sauce: Brings deep umami and classic Vietnamese character—don’t skip it!
Onion (minced): Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the meatballs.
Garlic (finely chopped): For punchy, aromatic flavor you can’t resist.
Lemongrass (tender white inside part only, minced): Offers bright citrus notes that are utterly essential to this dish.
Cilantro (chopped): Gives the meatballs color and a gentle freshness in every bite.
Mint (chopped): Just a hint of mint elevates the whole batch with cool herbal lift.
Cornstarch: Binds the mixture so your meatballs stay extra moist and never fall apart.
Kosher salt: The right touch of seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.
Fresh black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a peppery complexity.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives the finished Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs a gorgeous golden glaze and a delightful hint of sweetness.

How to Make Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Up the Flavors

In a big bowl, gently combine the ground chicken with the minced onion, lemongrass, chopped cilantro, mint, garlic, fish sauce, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. The trick is to mix until combined, but don’t overwork it—light handling ensures your Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs come out tender, not dense!

Step 2: Roll and Chill

With slightly damp hands (trust me, this keeps things neat), form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on a plate. Toss them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the meatballs hold their shape and lock in all those fabulous flavors—plus, the mixture is a bit wet at first, but chills up beautifully.

Step 3: Sweet Sugar Coating

Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roll each meatball lightly in granulated sugar—this coats them in a thin, sweet layer that caramelizes in the oven, creating a mouthwatering sheen and hint of crunch on your Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your coated meatballs in the center of the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Be sure to give the pan a gentle shake a few times—this encourages even browning and ensures every side gets its fair share of caramelization. When they’re golden and cooked through, they’re ready!

How to Serve Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

A handful of fresh herbs—think mint, cilantro, or even thinly sliced green onions—makes an eye-catching and fragrant topping for Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs. Add a shower of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili sauce for extra color and punch.

Side Dishes

Pile your Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs atop steamed jasmine rice or tuck them into a crisp lettuce leaf for a light, refreshing wrap. A side of quick pickled veggies or a crunchy cucumber salad is the perfect contrast to their savory warmth. Don’t forget a bowl of nuoc cham or sweet chili sauce for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer a few meatballs on bamboo picks for a fun party snack, or serve them in a banh mi-inspired sandwich with pickled carrots and daikon for a flavorful twist. For a cozy meal, add the meatballs to a simmering bowl of clear noodle soup with lots of fresh herbs—Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs shine anywhere!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll remain moist and flavorful, soaking up even more of those delicious aromatics as they sit.

Freezing

These freeze brilliantly! Arrange the cooled, cooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray and freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just grab a few and reheat whenever you crave a taste of Vietnam.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs in a moderate oven (about 350°F) until warmed through, around 10 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, but a quick oven trip revives their exterior crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well with the same flavor profile. Just be sure to choose a blend with some fat for the best juicy results, as very lean turkey can turn out a bit dry.

What if I can’t find fresh lemongrass?

If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, you can use a squeeze of lemongrass paste (look for it in the produce section) or, in a pinch, a little lemon zest. The flavor is slightly different but still bright and aromatic.

Can I make Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatballs up to a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for meal prepping or stress-free entertaining.

Are these meatballs spicy?

Not as written, although the fresh herbs and aromatics add lots of flavor. If you like more heat, add a bit of finely chopped chili or a dash of chili sauce to the meat mixture.

What dipping sauces taste best with Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs?

Vietnamese nuoc cham (a classic fish sauce-based dip), sweet chili sauce, or even a quick soy-lime dipping sauce are all fantastic with these meatballs and bring out their bold, savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about making Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs from scratch—they’re simple, satisfying, and full of bright flavors that everyone will love. If you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, give this recipe a go. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Vietnamese Chicken Meatballs are bursting with flavor from fish sauce, lemongrass, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, these juicy meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

Instructions

Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with all the ingredients except the sugar. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
Shape the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Coat and Bake: Roll each meatball in granulated sugar, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally for even browning.

Notes

You can serve these meatballs with a dipping sauce made from additional fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili for a flavor boost.
Feel free to customize the herbs in the meatballs based on your preferences, such as adding more mint or cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vietnamese