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- 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for glazing) - Chopped peanuts and sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients make up the magic of Firecracker Chicken Meatballs. Each item plays a key role in building flavor. Ground chicken is the main star, providing a tender base. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, giving the meatballs a nice texture. Fresh herbs like green onions and cilantro add bright flavors. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. Soy sauce and sriracha give a savory kick, while sesame oil brings a nutty taste. Salt and black pepper enhance every bite. The sweet chili sauce is the finishing touch. It adds sweetness and a bit of stickiness when baked. Finally, chopped peanuts and sesame seeds make the dish look appealing. They add crunch and visual flair. Gather these ingredients before starting. It makes the cooking process easier. Enjoy the fun of mixing and creating these flavorful meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix everything gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. 2. Next, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Use your hands for this. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each ball for even cooking. 3. Before baking, drizzle 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce over the meatballs. This adds a nice glaze and flavor. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking and a nice golden color. 2. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out. This helps them cook evenly and brown nicely. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 1. After baking, allow the meatballs to cool for a couple of minutes. This makes them easier to handle. 2. For presentation, serve the meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining sweet chili sauce over them. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra green onions for a colorful touch. This not only looks great but adds extra flavor. You can switch out the ground chicken for turkey or lean beef. Both work well. If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed rice crackers instead of breadcrumbs. Adjust the sriracha for spice levels. Add less if you want a milder dish. You can also add more for extra heat. To get the perfect meatball texture, mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Form each meatball with care, shaping them into 1.5-inch balls. When they bake, make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. These meatballs pair great with rice or noodles. You can also serve them with a side of steamed veggies. For meal prep, pack them with fresh greens for lunch. If you entertain, place them on a platter with dipping sauces. Sweet chili sauce is a hit! Pro Tips Keep it Moist: Adding breadcrumbs helps to bind the ingredients and keeps the meatballs moist during baking. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha according to your spice preference; you can even use a milder sauce for a gentler flavor. Perfectly Round Meatballs: Wet your hands with water before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking and to achieve a smooth, round shape. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds; they add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall taste of the dish. {{image_2}} You can make Firecracker Chicken Meatballs even more exciting. By adding different spices, you can change the heat and flavor. Try adding cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. If you prefer milder flavors, use paprika or smoked paprika. You can also mix in other vegetables. Grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. This gives your meatballs a nice twist and boosts nutrition. If you need gluten-free meatballs, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed rice crackers or ground oats as a substitute. This keeps the texture without gluten. For a vegetarian or vegan option, use ground plant-based meat. You can also mix in cooked lentils or chickpeas. Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture or applesauce to bind it all together. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs can be fun appetizers or sliders. Serve them on mini buns with slaw for a tasty slider. You can also add a spicy mayo or tangy sauce for extra flavor. Incorporate different cultural flavors too. For a Mediterranean twist, use herbs like oregano or thyme. Add feta cheese and serve with tzatziki sauce. You’ll enjoy these meatballs with new and exciting tastes! To keep your Firecracker Chicken Meatballs fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This prevents moisture buildup which can make them soggy. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until hot. Preparing these meatballs in advance can save you time on busy nights. You can make a big batch and store them. After cooking, let them cool and place them in a container. Keep them in the fridge for easy access. You can also freeze some for later use. Just remember to label the containers with the date. This way, you’ll know how fresh they are! Firecracker Chicken Meatballs take about 35 minutes to cook. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. You will feel the excitement build as they turn golden in the oven! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and freeze them for later use. When you need them, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These meatballs pair well with various sides. Here are some suggestions: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice for a simple base. - A fresh salad to balance the flavors. - Vegetable stir-fry to add color and crunch. - Rice noodles for a fun twist on presentation. - Serve with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. In this blog post, we covered how to make Firecracker Chicken Meatballs. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We explored fun variations and provided storage advice. My final thought is that these meatballs are easy to make and great for any meal. Whether you stick to the basics or try new flavors, they will delight your taste buds. Enjoy making these tasty bites anytime!

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Spicy and flavorful chicken meatballs with a sweet chili glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overwork the mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • During the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle the sweet chili sauce over the meatballs and return them to the oven to caramelize slightly.
  • Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds, and additional green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

Serve on a large platter, drizzled with any remaining sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of garnishes for a colorful, appetizing display.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, meatballs, spicy