Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. With a flavorful chicken mixture and a rich honey garlic sauce, they’re reminiscent of your favorite takeout dish but made in your own kitchen. Quick and easy to make, these meatballs are ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve them over rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons sliced green onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon coconut aminos
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon sriracha
3 tablespoons coconut aminos
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon arrowroot starch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Meatballs:

Mix the meatball ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ginger, garlic, green onion, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, coconut aminos, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined.
Form the meatballs: Use a small cookie dough scoop or tablespoon to scoop out portions of the chicken mixture. Roll them into meatballs using your hands.
Cook the meatballs: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

For the Sauce:

Prepare the honey garlic sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, combine all of the sauce ingredients (honey, chicken broth, garlic, sriracha, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and arrowroot starch) in a mixing bowl or large measuring cup. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Simmer the sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Wipe out the skillet and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add the sauce to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Coat the meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to ensure they are well coated with the sauce.

To Serve:

Serve the honey garlic chicken meatballs over white rice, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Stir-fry some vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, and serve them alongside the meatballs for a more well-rounded meal.
Sweetness level: Adjust the amount of honey or sriracha in the sauce to make it sweeter or spicier, depending on your preference.
Spicy alternative: If you prefer a spicier kick, add extra sriracha or fresh chilies to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then heat them up with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze the meatballs either cooked or uncooked. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over rice, but they also pair well with noodles, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. With a tender, flavorful meatball and a rich, tangy sauce, this meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these meatballs are ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy them on their own or with a side of your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal!