If youβre searching for a quick and tasty dinner, youβve found it! Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are simple to make and packed with flavor. In this post, Iβll guide you through each step to create these delicious bites, plus share tips to make them even better. Get ready to impress your family with this easy dish that everyone will love! Letβs dive into the sweet and savory goodness together.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken meatballs, making each bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed into salads and wraps for a delicious twist.
- Healthy Option: Using ground chicken and a homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and make a healthier meal choice.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
To make these tasty meatballs, you need the following main 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
These ingredients come together to create a juicy and flavorful base for your meatballs.
Optional ingredients for flavor enhancements
You can add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavor:
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Additional green onions (for garnish)
These extras can give your dish a nice kick and a beautiful look.
Substitutions for dietary preferences
If you have dietary needs, here are some easy substitutions:
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
- Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation instructions for the meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced green onions, and garlic. Add the egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Mix everything until it is well combined. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
How to make the honey garlic sauce
While the meatballs bake, letβs make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, cook it for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken a bit.
Baking and finishing touches for serving
Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Check that their internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). Once done, move the meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them and gently toss to coat. Let them sit for a few minutes so they soak up the flavors. Serve them hot, topped with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a fresh look.
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for mixing and shaping meatballs
When mixing meatballs, use your hands for the best results. This helps blend the chicken with the other ingredients. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, cheese, green onions, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes well. Donβt overmix; just mix until everything is well blended. For shaping, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Form meatballs about 1 inch in size for even cooking.
How to achieve the perfect texture
To get a great texture, keep the mixture moist. The egg helps bind the ingredients. Using breadcrumbs adds lightness. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, try adding a little water or more egg. Bake the meatballs until they are golden and firm. This will help them stay juicy inside.
Trouble-shooting common issues
If your meatballs fall apart, they may need more binding. Add an extra egg or more breadcrumbs. If they come out too dry, check your baking time. Baking them too long can dry them out. For flavor, make sure to coat them well in the honey garlic sauce after baking. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Opt for organic produce if possible.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add other spices like ginger or coriander for an extra kick.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to sit for a few minutes after coating them in sauce. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Variations
Spicy adaptations with additional ingredients
To give your honey garlic chicken meatballs a kick, you can add heat. Mix in extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeΓ±os for spice. You can also add sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a zesty touch. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. These changes can make your dish bold and exciting!
Ingredient swaps for different flavors
Experimenting with ingredients can add unique tastes. For a twist, use ground turkey instead of chicken. It keeps the meatballs light and tasty. You can also swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for a crunchier texture. Using fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can elevate the flavor, too. Always feel free to adjust to your taste!
Serving suggestions with sides and dips
Honey garlic chicken meatballs pair well with many sides. Serve them over rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also offer a fresh salad to balance the sweetness. For dips, try a creamy garlic sauce or a spicy chili sauce. These add layers of flavor and enhance your dining experience!
Storage Info
How to store leftover meatballs
To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing.
Reheating tips for best taste and texture
For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This method keeps them moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave, but they may dry out. If you use the microwave, cover the meatballs with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
Freezing guidelines for long-term storage
To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. These meatballs can last for up to three months in the freezer. For best results, reheat them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey. It tastes great and keeps the dish light. Turkey has less fat than chicken. This makes it a healthier option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. Ground turkey may take a bit longer to cook through. Always check that it reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
What is the best way to serve these meatballs?
You can serve these meatballs in many fun ways. They work well over rice or noodles. You can also serve them in a sandwich. Just add some fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. For a quick appetizer, serve them with toothpicks. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a nice touch.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free too. Look for tamari or other gluten-free options. This way, you can enjoy tasty meatballs without gluten.
You learned about making honey garlic chicken meatballs from start to finish. We covered key ingredients and helpful tips for perfecting the recipe. You also found tasty variations and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Donβt be afraid to make changes to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family with this dis

Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
IngredientsΒ Β
- 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 (optional)
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- none Sesame seeds and additional green onions for garnish
InstructionsΒ
- Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced green onions, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Form the chicken mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Allow the meatballs to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.


