Description
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and juicy appetizer or main dish, featuring tender ground chicken meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a sweet, tangy, and spicy honey garlic sauce. Perfect for entertaining or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes (depending on desired spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions (if using), onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes until fully cooked through. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the garlic aroma is released and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
- Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir together cornstarch and water to form a slurry and add it to the saucepan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if desired for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Make sure to check meatballs’ internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- The sauce can be thickened or left slightly runny depending on preference.
- Green onions and sesame seeds make great garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
