Asian Chicken Meatballs

There’s something about making Asian Chicken Meatballs that always feels like a special occasion in my kitchen. Perhaps it’s the aromatic blend of spices that fills the air or the way these tiny morsels quickly become the stars of the meal. I remember the first time I made them; my family gathered around the table, and we all eagerly anticipated that first bite. As we sat together, every meatball was savored, delighting in the tender texture and the explosion of flavors that danced on our tongues. It reminded me of the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, where laughter rings out and everyone is happily satisfied.

Asian Chicken Meatballs Ingredients

When it comes to creating delicious Asian Chicken Meatballs, the choice of ingredients can make all the difference. Each component plays a vital role, coming together to form the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key players in this recipe include ground chicken, which is not only lean but also absorbs flavors beautifully. The panko breadcrumbs lend a delightful crunch, while fresh herbs add a vibrant touch. Together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone.

• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey: This is the main protein in our meatballs, providing a tender and juicy base.
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs add a lightness and help bind the meatballs without making them dense.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the meatballs hold together during cooking.
• 2 green onions, finely chopped: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro: Gives a fresh taste and aromatic quality to the meatballs.
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Provides depth and richness to the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce: Infuses umami flavor while keeping the dish healthier.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty undertone that complements the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon sriracha: For those who enjoy a little heat, sriracha gives these meatballs a kick.
• 2 tablespoons canola oil for brushing: Helps achieve a nice golden color as the meatballs bake.
• Sesame seeds (optional for serving): A delightful garnish that adds texture.
• ⅔ cup water: Used to prepare the sauce later.
• ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Adds flavor to the sauce without too much salt.
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The base of our sauce, providing creaminess and richness.
• 3 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and balances the flavors in the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings acidity to the sauce, enhancing all the flavors.
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated: Further enhances the sauce with garlicky goodness.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sriracha: For some added heat in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Complements the peanut butter beautifully in the sauce.
• Brown or white rice: A delicious base for serving the meatballs.
• Fresh or steamed veggies of choice: Such as broccoli, bell peppers, and shredded cabbage for a well-rounded meal.

Making Asian Chicken Meatballs

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making the Asian Chicken Meatballs. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your meatballs turn out perfectly every time!

1. Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 400°F. This temperature is crucial for getting those meatballs brown and delicious.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and ensures the meatballs don’t stick.
3. In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients except for the canola oil: ground chicken, panko, egg, green onion, cilantro (if using), ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. This is where the magic begins!
4. Using a fork, break up the egg yolk and stir gently to combine all ingredients. It’s important to mix well but avoid overworking the meat, which could make the meatballs tough.
5. Scoop the mixture using a tablespoon and shape it into balls that are about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide. You should end up with around 18 to 20 meatballs total. The size is perfect for bite-sized goodness.
6. Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each one for even cooking.
7. Brush the tops and sides of the meatballs with canola oil. This step is crucial for achieving a lovely golden color.
8. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven until they register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. This should take about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
9. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk together and heat over medium-high.
10. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Let it bubble for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the ingredients are smoothly combined and slightly thickened. Stir in the sesame oil at the end for that finishing touch.
11. Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with rice and your choice of fresh or steamed veggies. Drizzle generously with the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Helpful Notes about Asian Chicken Meatballs

Every cook should have a few helpful notes up their sleeve when preparing Asian Chicken Meatballs. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly!

• Storage: Store leftover Asian Chicken Meatballs and sauce in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Transfer the sauce and meatballs to a ziptop bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftover meatballs in a 350ºF oven or the microwave until heated through and steaming.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnishing: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.
• Cooking Method: These meatballs can also be cooked in an air fryer for a crispy texture.

Serving Options for Asian Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to serving Asian Chicken Meatballs, there’s a world of possibilities. Here’s how you can enjoy them:

• Over Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy brown or white rice to absorb all the delicious sauce.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and crunchy alternative, spoon the meatballs into lettuce leaves and top with sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for a fantastic party appetizer that everyone will love.
• With Noodles: Toss the meatballs with cooked noodles and sauce for a satisfying stir-fry inspired meal.
• For Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and portion for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Seasonal Sides: Pair with seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers or steamed cabbage for a colorful plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Asian Chicken Meatballs recipe is truly special, combining vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients into a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. I encourage you to give these meatballs a try; they could become a new family favorite! Gather your loved ones, prepare a batch, and enjoy the delicious results together.

Asian Chicken Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, Asian Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any weeknight dinner. With a blend of ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a savory sauce, these meatballs are easy to prepare and sure to please your entire family. Make this dish tonight and enjoy the smiles at your dinner table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 units green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 2 tablespoons canola oil for brushing
• ⅔ cup water
• ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup Brown or white rice
• 1 cup Fresh or steamed veggies of choice

Instructions

 

• Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 400°F.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except for the canola oil: ground chicken, panko, egg, green onion, cilantro, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.
• Using a fork, break up the egg yolk and stir gently to combine, ensuring you don't overmix.
• Scoop the mixture into 1 tablespoon portions and form into balls about 1 to 1½ inches wide.
• Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring little space between each.
• Brush the tops and sides of the meatballs with canola oil for a golden finish.
• Bake the meatballs until they reach 165°F, about 10 minutes.
• Prepare the sauce by combining water, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a medium saucepan.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly until combined and thickened.
• Once cooked, serve the meatballs with rice and veggies, drizzling generously with the sauce.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover Asian chicken meatballs and sauce in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: Transfer the sauce and chicken meatballs to a ziptop bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Tip 3: Warm leftover meatballs in a 350ºF oven or the microwave until heated through and steaming.
• Tip 4: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
• Tip 5: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Keyword Asian Chicken Meatballs, easy meatball recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, meatball dinner ideas

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.