The saddest thing for me is when my kids are sick. My poor 20-month-old was sick today and it broke my heart. This girl is always happy and cheerful and she just wasn’t herself. You wonder what they’re thinking when they’re sick since they really can’t understand that it’s going to pass and it’s just a part of life. Good thing it’s only temporary!
But on a happier note, I’m excited to share this Curry Chicken Meatballs with Apricot Rice Pilaf recipe today. I know I’ve mentioned before how much I love curry. In fact, I did in my very first post for Mango Chutney Chicken Curry, which is pretty freaking delicious if I do say so myself. But this one is unique because it doesn’t just use chicken. It uses chicken meatballs, my friends! I LOVE meatballs but had never made chicken ones. And what better flavor to start with than curry? Seriously. You serve it with apricot rice pilaf, which is in and of itself amazing. Rice with chopped sweet apricots and crispety-crunchety toasted almonds is the perfect companion for the delicious, tender curried chicken meatballs. Then, to top it all off, you serve it with mango chutney (which is kind of an obsession of mine) to drizzle on for a touch of sweetness and fresh cilantro. And guess what? It only takes like 30 minutes to make. 30 minutes to a meal this insanely delicious? Believe it, Baby!
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 2 small onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
- ¾ cup slivered almonds, toasted (I used Almond Accents, Original Oven Roasted)
- 1 cup mango chutney
- In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp oil until shimmering. Add half of the onions and cook until softened, 4 minutes.
- Add rice and cook an additional 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and bring to a boil, lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine chicken, remaining onion, panko, 2 Tbsp cilantro, curry powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper in large bowl. Knead mixture with hands until well combined. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat remaining 2 Tbsp oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Add meatballs and cook until browned, 4 to 6 minutes (my gas stove took 4). Cover and lower heat to medium-low to cook through, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
- Add apricots, ½ cup almonds, and remaining 2 Tbsp cilantro to rice and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup almonds. Serve with meatballs and mango chutney.
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Love the flavor combination here! Gotta try this…. (sad face about sick toddler, btw)
Yes, Judy. You totally have to try these. They’re amazing! And yeah, Noelle is a little better today. But she’s still not her usual happy self. 🙁
How funny, I just made chicken meatballs for the first time last night! I think I should definitely try the pan-fried cooking method instead of oven, next time. 🙂
Christina @ Whip This Up recently posted…Pumpkin Beer Shandy
Hey, Christina! Yeah, the pan-fried method is SUPER quick and easy. My kind of meal 😉
This looks delicious Erin! Hope your kiddo is feeling better soon, that’s so heartbreaking when they’re sick and you can’t help them feel better.
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Whole Wheat Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Thanks, Stacey! It really is a yummy and super easy dish. Can’t go wrong with it! Also, I am SO excited to try your Whole Wheat Pumpkin Dinner Rolls. I love whole wheat rolls cuz they’re so much healthier than regular. And pumpkin flavored? Sign me up!! 😉
I’m sorry to hear your daughter was sick, and I hope she feels better soon! I love all of the flavors going on in the dish — curry with apricot and mango chutney sounds delicious! 🙂
marcie recently posted…Apple Cinnamon English Muffin Bread
Thanks, Marcie! And yes, I love the combination of all the yummy flavors in this dish. Speaking of yummy, your Apple Cinnamon English Muffin Bread looks amazing! I love English muffins and had never heard of English muffin bread. Your recipe looks amazing and is definitely one I gotta try! 🙂
Um, WOW. This sounds so good, and right up my alley! Definitely pinning this for later. The meatballs sound amazing, but the apricot rice pilaf just blew my mind. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Anetta @ The Wanderlust Kitchen recently posted…30 Minute Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Thanks, Anetta! Definitely give it a try—you won’t regret it! By the way, your website is gorgeous!