Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful Dish

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 0.25 cup breadcrumbs; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 cup minced green onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 0.5 cup honey; 0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 0 sesame seeds, for garnish

December 6, 2025August 30, 2025 by Sarah

If you’re craving a meal that’s both juicy and packed with flavor, look no further! This Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs recipe will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. In this article, I’ll guide you through simple steps to create these delicious meatballs and share tips to make them even better. Get ready to impress your family with this easy and tasty dish! Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Balance: The sweet and savory combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone loves.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Healthy Option: Using ground chicken makes these meatballs leaner while still being packed with flavor, making it a healthier choice.
Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed in a salad, making them incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

To make honey garlic chicken meatballs, gather these key items:

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup minced green onions (plus extra for garnish)

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

These ingredients combine to create juicy and tasty meatballs.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For a twist, try these optional ingredients:

– 1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for mixing)

Adding these elements can enhance your meatballs and bring new flavors.

Recommended Garnishes

To make your dish pop, use these garnishes:

– Sesame seeds

– Extra green onions, sliced

Garnishing adds a nice look and a fresh taste to your honey garlic chicken meatballs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Preheating

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. It helps the meatballs cook evenly and get that nice golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later.

Mixing the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup minced green onions

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well. Make sure it’s all combined nicely. This ensures that each meatball has great flavor.

Forming and Baking the Meatballs

Now, take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart. This helps them cook evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked when they reach 165°F (74°C).

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix:

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Heat this until it simmers. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. It will thicken slightly as it cooks.

Coating and Serving

Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This lets them soak up all the tasty sauce. Serve them hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy every bite!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Best Texture for Meatballs

To get great meatballs, mix the ground chicken gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Use breadcrumbs for a light texture. The egg helps bind the meatballs together. Aim for about one inch in size for even cooking. This size allows them to stay juicy inside while browning nicely outside.

Ingredient Substitutions for Healthier Options

If you want a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of chicken. You can swap breadcrumbs for oats or almond flour. This change adds fiber and lowers carbs. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. You can also use low-sugar honey or sugar-free syrup in the sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your meatballs fall apart, check your mixture. You may need more egg or breadcrumbs. If they seem dry, add a splash of broth or olive oil. For an overly salty taste, balance it with extra honey in the sauce. If they burn, lower the oven temperature and keep an eye on them.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and green onions for a more vibrant flavor in your meatballs.
Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the chicken, which can lead to tough meatballs.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest after coating them in sauce for a few minutes to enhance the flavor absorption.

Variations

Alternative Proteins for Meatballs

You can switch up the protein in these meatballs. Ground turkey works great. It gives a lighter taste. If you want something richer, try ground beef. For a veggie option, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and bind with breadcrumbs and egg.

Different Flavor Profiles for the Sauce

The honey garlic sauce is sweet and savory. But you can change the flavor. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some ginger for warmth. If you like tangy flavors, try adding lime juice. This will give the sauce a fresh twist.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

These meatballs shine on their own. But they pair well with sides. Serve them over rice or noodles for a full meal. You can also add a fresh salad to balance the dish. For a fun twist, make sliders with small buns. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Meatballs

After enjoying your honey garlic chicken meatballs, you may have some left. To store them, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you used the honey garlic sauce, keep it separate to avoid sogginess.

Reheating Guidelines

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, place the meatballs on a plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking if they are warm. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them juicy.

Freezing Tips for Meal Prep

Freezing is a great way to save time. To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Simply prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days. You can also freeze them. Wrap each meatball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready, just bake them from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

If you want a different meat, you can use ground turkey or ground pork. Both options work well. You can even try ground beef for a richer taste. For a lighter option, you can use ground tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to fit the new meat.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

You can tell the meatballs are done when they turn golden brown. The best way is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer and look for 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The inside should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, a slow cooker works great for these meatballs. After you mix and shape the meatballs, place them in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Set the cooker on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This method makes the meatballs super tender and full of flavor.

To make honey garlic chicken meatballs, you need simple ingredients and steps. We explored key ingredients and tasty options for flavor. You learned how to mix, form, and bake meatballs. We discussed tips for the best texture and how to store leftovers.

Now, you can serve these delicious meatballs in many ways. Enjoy experimenting with different proteins and sauces. Keep the recipe handy for a quick, fun meal. Your kitchen will shine with these tasty delight

$To make honey garlic chicken meatballs, gather these key items: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup minced green onions (plus extra for garnish) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil These ingredients combine to create juicy and tasty meatballs. For a twist, try these optional ingredients: - 1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for mixing) Adding these elements can enhance your meatballs and bring new flavors. To make your dish pop, use these garnishes: - Sesame seeds - Extra green onions, sliced Garnishing adds a nice look and a fresh taste to your honey garlic chicken meatballs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key. It helps the meatballs cook evenly and get that nice golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup minced green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well. Make sure it’s all combined nicely. This ensures that each meatball has great flavor. Now, take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart. This helps them cook evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked when they reach 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Heat this until it simmers. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. It will thicken slightly as it cooks. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This lets them soak up all the tasty sauce. Serve them hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy every bite! To get great meatballs, mix the ground chicken gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Use breadcrumbs for a light texture. The egg helps bind the meatballs together. Aim for about one inch in size for even cooking. This size allows them to stay juicy inside while browning nicely outside. If you want a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of chicken. You can swap breadcrumbs for oats or almond flour. This change adds fiber and lowers carbs. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. You can also use low-sugar honey or sugar-free syrup in the sauce. If your meatballs fall apart, check your mixture. You may need more egg or breadcrumbs. If they seem dry, add a splash of broth or olive oil. For an overly salty taste, balance it with extra honey in the sauce. If they burn, lower the oven temperature and keep an eye on them. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and green onions for a more vibrant flavor in your meatballs. Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the chicken, which can lead to tough meatballs. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken. Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest after coating them in sauce for a few minutes to enhance the flavor absorption. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in these meatballs. Ground turkey works great. It gives a lighter taste. If you want something richer, try ground beef. For a veggie option, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and bind with breadcrumbs and egg. The honey garlic sauce is sweet and savory. But you can change the flavor. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some ginger for warmth. If you like tangy flavors, try adding lime juice. This will give the sauce a fresh twist. These meatballs shine on their own. But they pair well with sides. Serve them over rice or noodles for a full meal. You can also add a fresh salad to balance the dish. For a fun twist, make sliders with small buns. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken meatballs, you may have some left. To store them, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you used the honey garlic sauce, keep it separate to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, place the meatballs on a plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking if they are warm. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them juicy. Freezing is a great way to save time. To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Simply prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days. You can also freeze them. Wrap each meatball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready, just bake them from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want a different meat, you can use ground turkey or ground pork. Both options work well. You can even try ground beef for a richer taste. For a lighter option, you can use ground tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to fit the new meat. You can tell the meatballs are done when they turn golden brown. The best way is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer and look for 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The inside should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Yes, a slow cooker works great for these meatballs. After you mix and shape the meatballs, place them in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Set the cooker on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This method makes the meatballs super tender and full of flavor. To make honey garlic chicken meatballs, you need simple ingredients and steps. We explored key ingredients and tasty options for flavor. You learned how to mix, form, and bake meatballs. We discussed tips for the best texture and how to store leftovers. Now, you can serve these delicious meatballs in many ways. Enjoy experimenting with different proteins and sauces. Keep the recipe handy for a quick, fun meal. Your kitchen will shine with these tasty delights!$