There’s just something so irresistible about juicy, tender meatballs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, especially when they’re as quick to make as this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe. These flavorful, bite-sized appetizers are pure comfort but with a modern, Asian-inspired twist — think gingery, garlicky chicken, beautifully baked and then coated in a glossy, sticky sauce. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack, a weeknight dinner, or just a new take on chicken, this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how a handful of pantry basics become something extraordinary. Each ingredient in this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe plays a starring role, bringing out the most flavor, the perfect texture, and that gorgeous golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
- Ground chicken: The backbone of these moist, protein-packed meatballs; lean yet full of flavor.
- Green onions: Add freshness and bright pops of color throughout every bite.
- Garlic: Essential for that warm, savory aroma and classic depth.
- Fresh ginger: Lends a vibrant, slightly spicy kick—freshly grated is key!
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, enhancing both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, tangy complexity; it’s the secret to an irresistible glaze.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash makes everything taste toasty and nutty—don’t skip it.
- Salt: Balances the natural sweetness; just a bit is all you need with the soy sauce.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to round things out.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs juicy.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together.
- Soy sauce (for the sauce): Creates a savory base for the sticky glaze.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and contributes that gorgeous sheen.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle, tangy note.
- Hoisin sauce (for the sauce): Doubles up on flavor for a rich, full-bodied finish.
- Sesame oil (for the sauce): Infuses additional nutty aroma right into the glaze.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens everything up to coat each meatball perfectly.
How to Make Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Set the stage for deliciousness by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of oil. This ensures your meatballs won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden with hardly any cleanup — a total win!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Gently mix until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat—this is the secret to keeping your meatballs super tender instead of dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using damp hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This size is perfect for quick cooking and easy coating in sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen is a clue—they’re nearly ready to be transformed by that incredible sauce!
Step 5: Whip Up the Sauce
While the meatballs are in the oven, grab a small saucepan and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil over medium heat. As it starts to simmer, add your cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens up into a shiny, clingy glaze—about one to two minutes.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the meatballs are baked, gently toss them in the sauce until every one is enveloped in that sweet-savory magic. The coating is luscious, glossy, and sticky in the best way. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes may seem simple, but they add so much character and appeal to this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Try a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of color and flavor. For a spicy kick, scatter over some red pepper flakes or a squiggle of sriracha. These touches don’t just look great—they add pops of texture and aroma right as you take your first bite.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a bed of tender noodles, soaking up that sticky sauce. Want something lighter? Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or simple stir-fried greens for crunch and freshness. The versatile flavors of this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe mean you can tailor sides to your mood or the season!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread the meatballs onto skewers for easy, mess-free snacking—kids love these too! You can also pile them into small lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or, set them atop mini steamed bao buns with a bit of fresh slaw for an Asian-style slider that is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs store like a dream, making this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Simply transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so don’t be surprised if they taste even better the second time around.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cooked meatballs (sauced or unsauced) on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—they’ll keep for up to three months. To freeze with sauce, make sure meatballs are fully submerged for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat meatballs gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm through until steaming and glossy again. They’ll be just as tender and mouthwatering as on day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and offers a similar mild flavor and texture. Just watch the cooking time, as turkey may cook a little faster. This recipe is flexible—feel free to experiment based on your favorite proteins or what’s on hand.
How do I make the meatballs spicier?
To dial up the heat, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha right into the meat mixture or sauce. You’ll get a lovely, warm undercurrent of spice that keeps each bite exciting without overpowering those other gorgeous flavors.
Can I air fry the Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe instead of baking?
Yes! Set your air fryer to 375°F, arrange the meatballs in a single layer, and cook for about 12 minutes until golden and cooked through. Air frying gives you crisp edges even faster and keeps the inside juicy. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket for the best results.
What’s the best way to keep these meatballs moist?
The key is not overmixing the meat and being gentle when shaping the balls. The egg and breadcrumbs help retain moisture, but if your ground chicken is extra lean, you can add a tablespoon of milk or a drizzle of oil to the mix for a softer, juicier finished meatball.
Is this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular soy sauce and breadcrumbs, which aren’t gluten-free. But it’s easy to swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce—your meatballs will be just as flavorful and crowd-pleasing!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting friends, spoiling your family, or just elevating your weeknight dinner, this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is bound to become your new go-to. It’s simple, fun to make, and so incredibly satisfying. Give it a whirl and watch these saucy little meatballs disappear in record time!
Print
Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Asian Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, with a delicious glaze that adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Tender and juicy, these meatballs are great as an appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce until coated. Garnish and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes for a faster option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
