Honey BBQ Chicken Meatballs

$To start, we need the main ingredient, which is ground chicken. It gives our meatballs a lean and tasty base. Here’s what you will need for the meatball mixture: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced These ingredients blend well. The breadcrumbs add texture, while the Parmesan gives a nice flavor. Next, we add some seasonings to give our meatballs a kick. This is where the magic happens! Here are the flavor enhancers you'll need: - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika These ingredients bring depth to the dish. The smoked paprika adds a slight smoky taste that pairs well with the sweetness of honey. Now, let’s move on to the glaze. This sauce makes our meatballs shine! You’ll need: - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-infused for extra sweetness) - 2 tablespoons pure honey The BBQ sauce gives a tangy base, while honey adds sweetness. This combination makes the glaze sticky and delicious! Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with: - Fresh parsley, chopped This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to cooking your meatballs evenly. A hot oven ensures they get that nice golden crust. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure all ingredients blend together for a tasty bite. Take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls about one inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and have a golden color. While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 2 tablespoons pure honey Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This thickens the glaze and makes it sticky. After 20 minutes, take out the meatballs. Brush each one with the warm honey BBQ glaze. Make sure they are well coated. Put them back in the oven for 5 more minutes. This helps the glaze caramelize for extra flavor. Once done, let the meatballs cool slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a colorful finish. Now, they are ready to serve! For a fun touch, use toothpicks for easy eating at parties. Enjoy your Honey BBQ Chicken Meatballs! To cook meatballs well, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh meat and herbs bring out the best flavors. - Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make them tough. - Shape evenly: Make each meatball the same size. This helps them cook evenly. - Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet. It keeps meatballs from sticking. For juicy and tasty meatballs, keep these points in mind: - Add moisture: Use breadcrumbs and cheese. They help keep meatballs moist. - Don’t skip the seasoning: Salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce are key for flavor. - Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. - Glaze properly: Brush on the honey BBQ glaze while hot for maximum flavor. Make your honey BBQ chicken meatballs look great. Here are some ideas: - Use a large platter: Arrange meatballs in a circle for a fun look. - Add extra glaze: Drizzle more honey BBQ sauce on top for shine and flavor. - Garnish with parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. - Serve with toothpicks: This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onions can significantly enhance the flavor of your meatballs, giving them a more vibrant taste. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to customize the flavor profile of the meatballs to your liking. Check for Doneness: Always check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and frozen. Just bake them, let them cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. {{image_4}} You can switch up the ground chicken for ground turkey or pork. Both options work well. Turkey gives a leaner meatball, while pork adds more fat and flavor. Each choice brings a unique taste. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly based on your meat choice. If you want a twist, try different BBQ sauces. A spicy sauce can add a kick. For a tangy flavor, use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce. You can even make your own sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices. This makes your meatballs truly your own. These meatballs shine when paired with sides. Serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. For gatherings, place the meatballs on toothpicks. They make great appetizers for parties. You can also drizzle extra honey BBQ sauce on top for added flavor. After you enjoy your honey BBQ chicken meatballs, let them cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. The meatballs will stay tasty and safe to eat. To freeze your meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. To reheat the meatballs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. If they were frozen, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Enjoy your delicious meatballs warm! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and shape them into meatballs. Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before baking. Many side dishes go well with honey BBQ chicken meatballs. Consider serving them with: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Coleslaw - Grilled vegetables - Corn on the cob These options balance the sweet and savory flavors. You can find pre-made honey BBQ chicken meatballs at grocery stores. Check the frozen food aisle or the deli section. Many stores offer options from popular brands. You can also find them at specialty stores or online. To adjust the spice level, add more or less smoked paprika. For a kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of black pepper. Taste the mixture before baking to find the right heat for you. You now know how to make tasty honey BBQ chicken meatballs. We covered the main ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. Remember to follow the tips for juicy meatballs and try fun variations. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Cooking can bring joy and flavor to your meals. Enjoy making this dish and impress your friends and family with your skills!$

Honey BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a sweet honey BBQ glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons pure honey
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, black pepper, sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly.
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce and honey over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Brush the warm honey BBQ glaze over the baked meatballs.
Return the glazed meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter with extra honey BBQ sauce and fresh parsley for garnish.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, meatballs