Firecracker Meatballs

Overhead view of firecracker chicken meatballs in skillet

5 from 1 vote

Whether you make them as a game day appetizer or easy weeknight dinner, these Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit! Tender, moist ground chicken meatballs are simmered in a sticky sauce loaded with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Servings:

Calories: 306kcal

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

2 pounds ground chicken
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup onion finely chopped or grated
3 tbsp fresh cilantro minced
1 jalapeño pepper finely chopped
4 garlic cloves pressed
1 tbsp ginger minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the sauce:

2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoon sriracha
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Garnish (optional)

1/4 cup green onions sliced

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the Firecracker Sauce. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, except the sesame oil, for the meatballs. Use your hands to work the mixture together until everything is mixed and evenly distributed throughout.
Roll the meat into 1.5 inch balls.
Heat a large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook 1-2 minutes per side to brown.
Pour the firecracker sauce over the meatballs and bring to a simmer. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 8-12 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through (165˚F internal temp.)
Toss meatballs in the sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Makes 24-26 meatballs

Substitutions: Swap in ground turkey or pork if you’d like.

How to Store: To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze: Refrigerate leftovers for up to a month.

How to Reheat: Thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

How to Scale: To scale the recipe, make the recipe in two batches to avoid crowding the pan.

Nutrition