Irresistibly Sticky Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy and juicy sticky chicken meatballs bring an explosion of flavor to your dinner table.

Packed with aromatic spices, these little gems promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender meat combines with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings perfectly to each morsel.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such complex taste sensations.

Asian-inspired seasonings dance through every bite, making this dish irresistibly compelling.

Families and friends will devour these meatballs faster than you can plate them.

Prepare to become the ultimate dinner hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles all around.

Sticky Chicken Meatballs That Steal the Show

• Conquer Quick Cooking: Whip up these meatballs in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Boost Flavor Explosion: The sticky honey glaze transforms ordinary chicken meatballs into a mouthwatering dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet and savory meatballs that pack a delicious punch without complicated ingredients or techniques.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that works for casual dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.

Sticky Chicken Meatballs Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold meatballs together.
• Egg: Binds the mixture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: Adds aromatic base.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat.

• Honey: Brings sweetness to the glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy balance.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy note.

• Cornstarch: Helps glaze reach perfect consistency.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Sticky Chicken Meatball Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Magical Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Egg
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Morsels

Roll the mixture into adorable one-inch balls. Gently place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Let the meatballs sizzle and transform for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

Step 5: Whip Up the Glossy Glaze

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Freshly grated ginger
• Crushed garlic

Bring this liquid gold to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze Magic

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the glaze transforms into a luscious, clingy coating.

Step 7: Coat with Flavor

Rescue the meatballs from the oven and tumble them into the glossy glaze. Ensure each meatball is completely drenched in deliciousness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle a generous handful of sesame seeds over the glistening meatballs. Serve hot and watch them disappear in moments!

Ideas to Help with Sticky Chicken Meatballs

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make chicken meatballs tough and dry.
• Boost Flavor Punch: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to the meat mixture for extra aromatic depth.
• Perfect Glaze Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy coating on meatballs.
• Baking Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked chicken meatballs.
• Storage Hack: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.

Sticky Chicken Meatballs: Save And Reheat Tips

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the glaze separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Drizzle fresh glaze after reheating for best flavor.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stop heating once meatballs are steaming hot.

Sticky Chicken Meatball Companions

• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Create a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with rice vinegar, shredded cabbage, and carrots to cut through the sticky sweetness of the meatballs.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Serve fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze and provide a neutral base that highlights the meatballs' rich flavor.
• Match with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet Riesling wine that balances the honey's sweetness and complements the soy sauce's umami notes in the dish.
• Boost with Green Onion Garnish: Sprinkle fresh, chopped green onions on top for a sharp, fresh kick that adds brightness and complexity to the meatballs.

Chicken Meatball Recipe Alternatives

• Turkey Meatball Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner protein option with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Balls
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These meatballs are relatively healthy, using lean ground chicken, minimal breadcrumbs, and packed with protein. They’re lower in fat compared to beef meatballs and include nutritious ingredients like garlic and ginger.

• Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Also, use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the entire recipe remains gluten-free.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

To keep meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the meat, use fresh ground chicken, and don’t overcook. Baking at the right temperature and checking internal temperature helps maintain juiciness.

• What can I do if the glaze is too thin or thick?

If the glaze is too thin, continue simmering to reduce or add more cornstarch mixture. If too thick, add a little water or rice vinegar to reach desired consistency.

Sticky Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent sticky chicken meatballs bring Korean-inspired flavors dancing across your palate with irresistible sweet and savory notes. Rich marinades and perfectly caramelized edges promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Create the meatball mixture by combining ground chicken with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, and freshly ground pepper in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Craft uniform meatballs by gently rolling the mixture into compact 1-inch spheres, carefully placing them on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation between each ball.
4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring they develop a golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through by checking their internal temperature.
5. Simultaneously prepare the glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and crushed garlic in a small saucepan, heating over medium temperature until the mixture begins to simmer.
6. Develop the glaze’s consistency by whisking cornstarch with water, then incorporating the mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the glaze transforms into a thick, glossy coating.
7. Transfer the freshly baked meatballs directly from the oven into the prepared glaze, gently rotating to ensure each meatball is completely and evenly coated with the sticky sauce.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the glazed meatballs, creating a final layer of texture and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs remain juicy by using ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content, preventing dryness during baking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb adaptation.
• Control glaze thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, stopping when desired consistency is reached to avoid over-thickening.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before garnishing to enhance their nutty flavor and aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg