Description
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. Tender chicken meatballs are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of heat from chili flakes, making them a flavorful and irresistible appetizer or main dish. Serve with rice, noodles, or on their own for a deliciously satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the honey garlic 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
-
For the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, green onions (if using), onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
For the sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened to your liking.
To assemble:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet before baking them.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks, over rice for a complete meal, or as a side dish to any main course.
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking or freezing for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg