Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped Ground chicken is the star of this dish. It gives the meatballs a light texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture while keeping it moist. Green onions add a fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor. - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. They add a zesty kick that pairs well with chicken. Soy sauce and sesame oil give umami and richness. Red pepper flakes add heat, making these meatballs exciting. - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to preference) - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish Sweet chili sauce gives a nice sweetness to balance the heat. Hot sauce can be adjusted based on your spice level. Sesame seeds add crunch, while cilantro adds a fresh touch. Garnishing makes the dish pop visually and adds flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for a good bake. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and chopped green onions. Next, add minced garlic and ginger. These add great flavor. Then, pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Don't forget the red pepper flakes for some heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper too. Mix everything well, but be careful not to overmix. This keeps your meatballs tender. Now comes the fun part! Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them. Bake these meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and a little golden on the outside. To get tender meatballs, mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and spices just until blended. For baking time, check them after 20 minutes. If they look golden and firm, they are done. If you want them a bit firmer, add 3 more minutes. Choose your hot sauce wisely. A mild sauce adds flavor without too much heat. If you like it spicy, go for a stronger sauce. You can also tweak the spices. Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter taste? Increase the sweet chili sauce. Taste as you mix! Make your dish look great. Serve meatballs on a large platter or in bowls. Drizzle with extra sauce for a shiny finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro for a bright touch. This will make your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Keep the Meatballs Tender: Avoid overmixing the ground chicken mixture to ensure your meatballs stay soft and juicy. Adjust the Heat: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce in the recipe. Perfect Sauce Coating: Toss the meatballs in the sauce right after they come out of the oven for the best flavor absorption. Garnish for Flavor: Add fresh cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving to enhance both the presentation and taste. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for ground turkey or beef. Both options work well. Ground turkey gives a lighter flavor. It is also lean and healthy. Ground beef adds richness. It brings a heartier taste to your meatballs. Just keep the same measurements. The cooking time remains the same too. You can change the spice levels with different sauces. For a mild flavor, use less hot sauce. You can also pick milder sauces like sriracha or chili garlic sauce. If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Mix in more hot sauce to really turn up the heat. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste buds. If you need gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. There are many great choices at the store. You can even make your own with gluten-free bread. Just toast and crumble it. This way, your meatballs stay tasty and safe for everyone. To keep your meatballs fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are clean and dry before adding the meatballs. You can also use a resealable plastic bag for easy storage. Just remove as much air as you can before sealing it. When reheating, aim to keep the meatballs juicy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep the moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the meatballs in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. Freezing your meatballs is easy and great for meal prep. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. You can also freeze the sauce separately to keep the flavors fresh. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen. Yes, you can make Firecracker Chicken Meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze them for later. After shaping the meatballs, place them on a tray. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. This keeps them tasty and easy to enjoy later. You can change the spice level by adding or reducing hot sauce. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. If you prefer milder meatballs, use less hot sauce. You can also use a milder hot sauce. Taste the mixture before baking to adjust it. This way, you can make the meatballs just how you like them. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with steamed rice or quinoa. These options soak up the sauce nicely. You can also add a fresh salad for a crunch. Veggies like cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers work great. For something warm, serve them with stir-fried vegetables. This adds color and flavor to your meal. This article covered how to make tasty Firecracker Chicken Meatballs. We looked at key ingredients like ground chicken, garlic, and soy sauce. I shared tips for baking, flavoring, and interesting variations. You can adjust spice levels and choose different proteins. Remember to store any leftovers properly for the best taste. Try these meatballs for a fun meal that everyone will enjoy. Cooking can be simple and satisfying! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your results.$

Spicy and flavorful chicken meatballs coated in a delicious firecracker sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
0.25 cup hot sauce
to taste salt and pepper
sesame seeds for garnish
fresh cilantro 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, chopped green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the firecracker sauce by combining the sweet chili sauce and hot sauce in a small bowl.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the firecracker sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Return the sauced meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve with extra sauce and garnish for added flavor.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, meatballs, spicy