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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!

Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

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
  • sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced green onions, minced garlic, the egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until fully combined.
  • Roll portions of the chicken mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat until simmering and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them, gently tossing to coat.
  • Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the meatballs on a serving platter and drizzle with remaining sauce.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, meatballs