Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs for dinner! They are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, and I can whip them up in just 30 minutes. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a glaze that coats each tender meatball perfectly. Whether I serve these as a main dish with rice or as an appetizer, everyone always requests the recipe. Trust me, once you try them, you'll find yourself making them again and again!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:57:41.225Z

When I first developed this recipe, I wanted to create a dish that was both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. I played around with the honey garlic sauce, adjusting the balance until it was just right. The addition of fresh ginger truly elevates the taste and adds a hint of warmth.

I've found that using ground chicken makes for lighter meatballs, and by baking them instead of frying, they remain juicy and tender. A tip I've learned is to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking—the flavors deepen, and the glaze thickens into a sticky delight!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor fusion that excites the taste buds
Quick and easy preparation perfect for weeknight dinners
Versatile dish—great as a main or a crowd-pleasing appetizer

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to dense meatballs. Just combine everything until it's well incorporated. If you find the mixture is too wet to form into balls, you can add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs as needed. For uniformity, using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into even balls about 1 inch in diameter.

For optimal baking, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet with a bit of space between them to ensure even cooking. If you notice any unevenly shaped meatballs, gently roll them again once on the baking sheet before baking. This helps them cook more evenly and achieve that golden brown color on all sides.

Mastering the Honey Garlic Sauce

The key to a great honey garlic sauce is to achieve the right balance between the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey, but make sure to balance it with additional soy sauce to maintain flavor depth. Cooking the sauce until it bubbles and thickens slightly will enhance the flavors and create a beautiful glaze for your meatballs.

If you're looking for a slightly spicy kick, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers. This not only adds flavor but also complexity. Also, keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers to prevent burning; stirring occasionally will help maintain an even consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before getting started:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Sauce

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Make sure you have everything on hand before you dive in!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your meatballs:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs bake, in a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until it begins to bubble, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. If using, stir in cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken.

Coat the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all meatballs evenly.

Serve

Serve your honey garlic chicken meatballs warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch for future meals!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These honey garlic chicken meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make them even more convenient, consider preparing the meatballs in advance and freezing them. Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to cook frozen meatballs, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply bake them directly from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through, ensuring you have a quick and delicious meal ready in no time!

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine as a main dish served over steamed rice or quinoa, providing a satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, providing toothpicks for easy eating and a side of extra honey garlic sauce for dipping. This versatility makes them a fantastic option for both casual dinners and party spreads.

For a fresh twist, consider pairing the meatballs with a simple salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. A crunchy Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing complements the savory and sweet flavors beautifully, creating a delightful dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs and simply coat them with the honey garlic sauce for a quicker meal.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with rice, steamed vegetables, or even in a sub sandwich with some slaw.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce or tamari.