Asian Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, versatile dish that combines savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Perfect for appetizers, meal prep, or a main course, these meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve them with a zesty dipping sauce or over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed:ย Infused with classic Asian flavors like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Healthy and Lean:ย Made with ground chicken, they are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs.
- Quick and Easy:ย Ready in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile:ย Pair them with noodles, rice, or salad, or serve as an appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly:ย They store and reheat beautifully for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Egg
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Hoisin sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Chili flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the ovenย to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatball ingredientsย in a large bowl: combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Mix until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the meatballsย for 18โ20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 2โ3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the prepared glaze until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or a dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4โ6 servings, depending on portion size
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Turkey or Pork:ย Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick:ย Add sriracha or chili paste to the meatball mixture or glaze for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low Carb:ย Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10โ12 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
How do I keep chicken meatballs moist?
Using breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture helps retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Can I use pre-ground ginger and garlic?
Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, but pre-ground versions work in a pinch.
What can I serve with Asian Chicken Meatballs?
Serve them with steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh Asian-style salad.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I air fry these meatballs?
Yes, cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 12โ15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Whatโs the best dipping sauce for these meatballs?
Try a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or chili paste.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the meatballs are flavorful on their own. You can serve them with a simple dipping sauce instead.
Can I use a plant-based meat alternative?
Yes, substitute with a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
Conclusion
Asian Chicken Meatballs are a delightful dish thatโs bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. With their tender texture and bold glaze, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether youโre serving them as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs are quick, easy, and endlessly versatile. Try them today and enjoy a delicious taste of Asian-inspired cuisine!
Print
Asian Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Asian Chicken Meatballs are flavorful bites made from ground chicken mixed with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions, then coated in a sweet and savory glaze. They’re perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a main course.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, honey, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the saucepan, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
- Glaze the Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to ensure each meatball is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve the glazed meatballs over steamed rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
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