Sweet Chili Meatballs
Renae Gerhardstein
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are sensationally crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy within, and bursting with vibrant, bold flavors! Elevate your mealtime or appetizer spread with this remarkably easy meatball recipe, guaranteed to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Pin Recipe
Appetizer, Main Course, Snack, Dinner, Holiday
Asian
4
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
463
Equipment
- baking sheet or shallow casserole dish
- large bowl
- scoop
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken (can substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Sauce
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 piece lime juiced
- 1-2 tablespoons water as needed to thin the sauce
- Sliced green onion cilantro, and/or sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
For the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, one large egg, panko breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of soy sauce, finely minced cilantro, freshly grated garlic, and aromatic grated ginger. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Drizzle one tablespoon of sesame oil evenly over a large sheet pan. Use your hands to thoroughly coat the entire surface of the pan. This step is crucial, as coating your hands with the oil will also prevent the chicken mixture from sticking during the shaping process.
- Portion the chicken mixture into uniform, golf ball-sized portions, approximately 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each portion into a smooth, compact ball. Arrange the meatballs on the oiled baking sheet, ensuring at least one inch of space between each to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) and they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
For the Sauce
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, the juice from one lime, and an initial tablespoon of water. Continue whisking until the sauce achieves a smooth, pourable consistency.
- If the sauce still appears too thick for pouring or coating, gradually add another tablespoon of water, whisking thoroughly after each addition, until your desired thinness is reached.
- Once the chicken meatballs are hot and freshly baked, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the prepared sweet chili sauce. Gently toss the meatballs, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated in the delectable, glossy sauce.
- Serve these irresistible meatballs immediately, garnished generously with sliced green onion, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- To transform this delightful dish into a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving the sweet chili meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice, accompanied by your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side.
Notes and Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Meatballs
For the most flavorful sweet chili meatballs, allow them to simmer in the sweet chili sauce for a few extra minutes after cooking. This simple step helps the meatballs thoroughly soak up all that bold, sweet, and spicy flavor, making every bite a delight!
Craving an even crispier texture? Try baking your meatballs on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows for better air circulation around each meatball, promoting even browning and a satisfyingly crisp exterior.
For optimal juiciness and flavor, it’s recommended to avoid using extra lean ground turkey if you’re substituting chicken. The slightly higher fat content in regular ground turkey or ground chicken contributes significantly to the tenderness and moisture of the finished meatballs.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- To make these sweet and sour meatballs with chili sauce gluten-free, simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- For those who love an extra kick of heat, incorporate a teaspoon (or more, to taste) of sriracha sauce or red chili flakes directly into the sweet chili sauce mixture. This intensifies the spice level without compromising the sweet balance.
- This versatile sweet chili sauce isn’t just for meatballs! It makes an excellent dipping sauce for various other dishes. Try it with baked chicken tenders or strips, or even Bisquick baked chicken strips for a quick and flavorful snack or meal.
- Beyond chicken, this dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with classic spring rolls, egg rolls, or even as a glaze for grilled shrimp.
Storing Instructions for Convenience
Cooked sweet chili meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep throughout the week. The accompanying sweet chili sauce will maintain its freshness in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Calories:
463kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
53g
|
Protein:
24g
|
Fat:
18g
|
Saturated Fat:
4g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
6g
|
Trans Fat:
0.1g
|
Cholesterol:
157mg
|
Sodium:
902mg
|
Potassium:
641mg
|
Fiber:
2g
|
Sugar:
20g
|
Vitamin A:
83IU
|
Vitamin C:
5mg
|
Calcium:
22mg
|
Iron:
1mg
The Ultimate Sweet Chili Meatballs: A Flavorful Journey
Sweet Chili Meatballs are a culinary delight, offering a tantalizing combination of crispy exteriors, incredibly juicy interiors, and a symphony of bold flavors. Crafted with lean ground chicken, aromatic fresh cilantro, pungent garlic, and zesty ginger, these homemade chicken meatballs achieve a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy. Beyond their irresistible taste, they’re also wonderfully freezer-friendly, making them an ideal choice for convenient meal prep, ensuring a delicious and easy meal is always within reach.
If your palate craves the exciting interplay of sweet and spicy, these sweet chili sauce meatballs are destined to become your new go-to dish! Their savory depth, tangy zest, and perfectly balanced heat make them an incredibly versatile option, equally suited for a cozy quick weeknight dinner or an impressive party appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Prepared with ground chicken, these delightful chicken meatballs offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork versions, yet they retain all the tenderness and robust flavor you desire. The captivating mango and chili sauce infuses them with a unique and exotic taste, while the vibrant notes of fresh cilantro, garlic, and ginger add an irresistible brightness and depth. For a stunning presentation that’s sure to wow your guests, serve them beautifully garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Irresistible Bold Sweet and Spicy Flavor: These aren’t just any meatballs! The star of the show is a perfectly crafted sweet chili sauce that delivers a delightful kick of spice harmoniously balanced by a hint of sweetness. This complex flavor profile is further enhanced by the aromatic duo of freshly minced garlic and ginger, complemented by the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro. Each bite is a journey through savory, tangy, and subtly fiery sensations.
- Effortless Preparation and Cooking: Forget complicated techniques! This easy meatball recipe offers maximum flexibility for your cooking preferences. You can choose to bake them for a hands-off approach that yields beautifully crispy results with minimal mess, or opt for pan-frying if you prefer. The baking method, in particular, ensures an extra-crispy exterior without the splatter and fuss typically associated with frying, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Suited for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a lively party, or preparing for a special holiday gathering, these sweet chili sauce meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their universal appeal makes them fantastic as a standalone appetizer, where guests can easily enjoy them with toothpicks, or as the star of a main course when served alongside rice and vegetables. Plus, their exceptional freezer-friendly nature allows for effortless meal prep, saving you valuable time and stress on busy days. You can prepare a batch in advance and simply reheat for a quick, delicious meal anytime!
Love meatballs? Explore our other fantastic meatball creations, including juicy turkey sausage balls, classic Bisquick sausage balls, fiery spicy meatballs, and versatile pan-fried meatballs. Each recipe is designed to be perfectly dunked in our range of delectable sauces and dips, just like these incredible sweet chili chicken meatballs!
Ingredient Essentials and Smart Substitutions
For The Meatballs
- Ground Chicken: This forms the tender and flavorful base of our chicken meatballs. For the best texture and moisture, I highly recommend using “ground chicken” rather than “ground chicken breast.” Regular ground chicken contains a bit more fat, which contributes to a more succulent, less dry meatball. You can also substitute with ground turkey for a similar result, ensuring it’s not extra lean.
- Large Egg: The essential binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together, ensuring they maintain their shape during cooking and remain deliciously moist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are key to achieving a light, crispy texture. They effectively absorb any excess moisture in the meatball mixture, preventing them from becoming soggy while keeping them wonderfully juicy. If panko isn’t available, you can easily substitute with finely crushed crackers (such as saltines or Ritz) or regular breadcrumbs, though the texture might be slightly denser.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This vibrant sauce is what infuses the meatballs with that distinctive sweet and spicy flavor. It’s added directly into the meatball mixture for internal flavor. For an alternative, a touch of sriracha for heat combined with a hint of honey or maple syrup for sweetness can work. You can also experiment with making your own from scratch using a blend of honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a personalized touch.
- Soy Sauce: A fundamental ingredient that imparts a rich, salty umami depth to the meatballs, enhancing all the other flavors. For gluten-free options, use tamari.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro introduces a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor, adding an aromatic lift to the savory meatballs. If cilantro isn’t to your liking, fresh basil or parsley can offer a different but equally pleasant herbaceous note.
- Garlic: Grated fresh garlic provides an indispensable pungent kick and aromatic foundation that is characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a wonderfully warming, zesty, and slightly peppery zing, complementing the garlic and chili flavors beautifully.
- Sesame Oil: Drizzled over the baking sheet, sesame oil serves a dual purpose: it helps to crisp the exterior of the meatballs as they bake, and it imparts a delightful nutty aroma and flavor.
For the Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the primary component of our irresistible dipping sauce, delivering that quintessential sweet and spicy Asian flavor that coats the meatballs.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for cutting through the richness and sweetness of the chili sauce, adding a bright, tangy acidity and a refreshing burst of citrus. Lemon juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Water: Used strategically to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency, ensuring it’s pourable and coats the meatballs beautifully without being overly thick. Start with one tablespoon and add more as needed.
- Green Onion, Cilantro, and/or Sesame Seeds: These are ideal garnishes that not only add vibrant color and fresh flavor but also contribute to an appealing visual presentation.
Recipe Variations and Pro Tips
- For the most succulent and flavorful meatballs, it’s generally best to avoid extra lean ground turkey. The slightly higher fat content in regular ground chicken or turkey contributes significantly to the juiciness and overall taste.
- To effortlessly transform these sweet and sour meatballs with chili sauce into a gluten-free delight, simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with your preferred brand of gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- If you’re a fan of heightened spice, consider incorporating an extra teaspoon (or more, to taste) of sriracha sauce or red chili flakes into the sweet chili sauce mixture. This adjustment will add an invigorating punch of heat without overwhelming the dish’s balanced flavors.
- The versatile sweet chili sauce isn’t limited to just meatballs! It serves as an excellent dipping companion for other poultry options like baked chicken tenders or strips, and even savory Bisquick baked chicken strips.
- Beyond poultry, this delectable dipping sauce also pairs beautifully with crispy spring rolls, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a glaze for grilled seafood.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools on hand will make preparing these delicious sweet chili meatballs a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Sheet: A large, sturdy baking sheet is fundamental for evenly baking the meatballs. Alternatively, a shallow casserole dish can be used if you prefer a more contained cooking environment.
- Large Bowl: You’ll need a spacious mixing bowl to comfortably combine all the meatball ingredients without making a mess. Another bowl will be useful for preparing the sauce.
- Scoop: A cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop is highly recommended for portioning the meatball mixture. This ensures uniform size, which leads to consistent cooking and a professional presentation.
Mastering Sweet Chili Meatballs: A Step-By-Step Guide
Cooking the Meatballs to Perfection
- Prepare the Mixture: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, combine the ground chicken, one large egg, panko breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon of soy sauce, finely minced cilantro, grated garlic, and grated ginger in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix these ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs, so aim for a light touch.
- Prepare for Baking: Drizzle one tablespoon of sesame oil over a large baking sheet. Use your hands to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface. This not only prevents sticking but also seasons the pan. The oil on your hands will also help prevent the chicken mixture from adhering to your skin as you form the meatballs. Using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, portion the chicken mixture into golf ball-sized balls (approximately 1.5 tablespoons each). Roll them gently to create smooth, uniform shapes. Place the meatballs at least one inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake and Prepare Sauce: Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, use this time to quickly prepare your delicious dipping sauce, as outlined in the next section.
Crafting The Perfect Sweet Chili Sauce
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, the fresh lime juice, and initially, one tablespoon of water. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the sauce is smoothly blended and achieves a pourable, slightly thin consistency.
- Coat and Garnish: If your sauce still appears too thick for ideal coating, add another tablespoon of water and whisk again until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. Once your meatballs are hot from the oven, immediately add them to the bowl with the sweet chili sauce and toss them gently to ensure every meatball is thoroughly coated in the delicious, glossy sauce. Serve these delectable meatballs garnished with fresh green onion, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip for Maximum Flavor!
For the absolute best sweet chili meatballs, don’t rush the final step! After cooking, let them gently simmer in the rich sweet chili sauce for a few extra minutes. This patient approach allows the meatballs to fully absorb all that bold, sweet, and spicy goodness, transforming them into an even more intensely flavorful experience. Want an even crispier texture? Optimize air circulation during baking by placing your meatballs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This simple trick promotes even browning on all sides, resulting in that coveted crisp exterior.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
These versatile sweet chili meatballs excel as both an unforgettable appetizer or a satisfying main course. For a complete and hearty meal, serve them generously over a bed of our fluffy Instant Pot basmati rice. Alternatively, if you prefer a nuttier texture, learn how to make perfect brown rice in the Instant Pot. If you’re seeking a lower-carb option, these meatballs pair exceptionally well with cauliflower rice or quinoa, offering a nutritious twist without sacrificing flavor.
To create a well-rounded and balanced meal, consider pairing your meatballs with a fresh, crisp side salad or a medley of perfectly grilled vegetables. Planning a party or gathering? Transform them into a fun and effortless party appetizer by serving them on toothpicks, allowing guests to easily grab and enjoy. For an extra pop of color and an additional layer of fresh, mild onion flavor, always remember to garnish with thinly sliced scallions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Chili Meatballs
Baking is generally an excellent and easier method for producing juicy and flavorful meatballs with a consistently crispy exterior. While pan-frying can also achieve a crispy outside, there’s a higher risk of the interior becoming dry if not managed carefully. If you opt to fry, ensure sufficient space in the pan for even cooking, which prevents them from steaming and helps maintain internal moisture.
While not strictly necessary, allowing the meatball mixture to rest for 20-30 minutes before cooking can be beneficial. This resting period helps the ingredients meld together more effectively, making the meatballs firmer and less prone to breaking apart during cooking. This is particularly advantageous if you are baking the meatballs, as it aids in maintaining their shape and structure. If you’re pressed for time, you can certainly skip this step; just be sure to form the meatballs tightly to ensure they hold together well.
If sweet chili sauce isn’t on hand, you have several delicious alternatives! Hoisin sauce, plum sauce, or apricot preserves can provide a similar sweet and tangy profile, though their flavor notes will differ slightly. For a quick homemade version, you can combine equal parts sugar, vinegar (rice vinegar works well), and ketchup, then add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Remember to adjust other recipe ingredients as needed to balance the flavors of your chosen substitute.
Cooked sweet chili meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them perfect for future meals or snacks. The sweet chili sauce, when stored separately in an airtight container, will last for up to one week in the fridge. If you notice the sauce has thickened during storage, simply add a small amount of water (a tablespoon at a time) and stir until it reaches your desired consistency before serving.
Yes, these sweet chili sauce meatballs are excellent for freezing! For the best results, I recommend freezing the cooked meatballs *without* the sauce. This prevents them from becoming soggy when reheated. Place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. You can also freeze the sauce separately. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the meatballs in the oven until warmed through, then toss them with freshly thawed or prepared sweet chili sauce.
Consider Making These Other Delightful Appetizer Recipes…
- Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Wonton Appetizer
- Classic Sausage Balls
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