If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances tender, juicy meat with a sticky-sweet glaze and a bold kick of heat, then this Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These meatballs are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like ground chicken and pantry staples, making them an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that shines whether served over rice, noodles, or simply as a delightful appetizer. With each bite, you get the perfect harmony of sweet honey, savory garlic, and just enough spice to keep things exciting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be on repeat in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredients—each one plays an essential role in building the incredible flavor, texture, and color of this dish. From the tender ground chicken to the punchy garlic and heat from the red pepper flakes, every element works together to make these meatballs shine.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The star protein that keeps the meatballs juicy and light.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and gives a tender bite.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that classic garlic punch you expect from this dish.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses salty umami depth deep into every meatball.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want to amplify the heat.
- 1/3 cup honey: The cornerstone of the sauce’s irresistible sticky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a deep savory backbone to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste): Powers up the spice level in the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce): Doubles down on garlic goodness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry): Ensures the sauce thickens beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a toasty, nutty depth to the glaze.
How to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Begin by placing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently but thoroughly combine everything until evenly mixed. This step is crucial for ensuring every meatball bursts with flavor and stays tender.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, aiming for about 20 pieces. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and completely cooked through. Baking rather than frying keeps them light yet ensures a nice exterior crust.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce
While the meatballs bake, it’s time to whip up that glorious sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil if using. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Then stir in the cornstarch slurry, a simple mix of cornstarch and water, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Toss Meatballs in Sauce
Once your meatballs are out of the oven, toss them gently but thoroughly in the thickened sauce to coat each one in that sweet, spicy glaze. This step is where the magic truly happens, binding the flavors and making every bite irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions not only boosts the visual appeal but also introduces a crunchy texture and fresh bite that complements the saucy meatballs perfectly.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile but shine best when paired with fluffy steamed rice, silky noodles, or even a crunchy cabbage slaw. Each side adds a contrasting texture and helps soak up that amazing sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these meatballs on skewers as an appetizer for a party, or pile them on top of a vibrant salad for a protein-packed lunch. They also work wonderfully spooned over creamy mashed potatoes or tucked inside slider buns for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them flavorful and moist, it’s best to store them tossed in their sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs either plain or sauced. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can be conveniently reheated later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep the meatballs moist and saucy. Make sure you heat them thoroughly for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without the spicy kick?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes, and you’ll have beautifully flavorful meatballs that are mild but still packed with the honey garlic goodness.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
You can easily swap ground chicken with ground turkey or beef depending on your preference. Just keep in mind ground beef may be richer, and turkey may be slightly drier, so adjust breadcrumbs accordingly.
Is it possible to cook these meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes! You can pan-fry the meatballs in a little oil over medium heat, turning frequently until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Then proceed with the sauce as directed.
How sticky and thick does the sauce get?
The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to cling to each meatball but not so thick that it becomes gummy. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve that perfect balance.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Sure thing! The sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked meatballs for convenient meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe is pure kitchen magic—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough to serve guests, and delicious enough to win over even the pickiest eaters. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory that keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to make it and share the joy these little bites of flavor bring. Happy cooking!
Print
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Spicy honey garlic chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with a kick of heat. Made with ground chicken and simple pantry ingredients, these meatballs come together quickly and are perfect served over rice, noodles, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 in total, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Make Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, add them directly into the sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sticky, spicy glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve the meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- You can make these meatballs ahead of time and reheat them in the sauce before serving for convenience.
- For milder meatballs, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce.
- Ground turkey or beef can be used as a substitute for ground chicken based on preference.
