Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated; 2 teaspoons ginger paste; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 egg yolk; a few large pinches Kosher salt; a couple pinches ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shaping meatballs); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 1 cup honey; 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion; Kosher salt (to taste); Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste); Sesame seeds; Thinly sliced green onion

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you are craving a dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory with tender, juicy bites, the Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These meatballs are packed with vibrant flavors from garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, all glazed in a luscious honey soy sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe promises a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with a thick, rectangular block of raw light pink ground meat in the lower right corner. Around it, there are eight small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different ingredients: dark brown thick sauce on the top left, smooth yellow paste beside it, off-white liquid next to the paste, bright yellow egg yolk on the right, light beige breadcrumbs near the yolk, small yellow grated garlic or ginger beside breadcrumbs, light orange liquid below the dark sauce, and chopped green scallions at the bottom left. The clean, organized layout highlights each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that dazzles the senses. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs tender and moist without overpowering flavors.
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, airy texture that keeps the meatballs from being dense.
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Introduces umami depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated: Provides that essential garlic kick that makes the dish irresistible.
2 teaspoons ginger paste: Adds a gentle warmth and a refreshing zing to the meatballs.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 egg yolk: Acts as the binder to keep the meatballs together without heaviness.
A few large pinches Kosher salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
A couple pinches ground black pepper: Lends a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
6 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce): An extra punch of garlic to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce (for sauce): Builds a savory base without overpowering saltiness.
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a balanced acidity.
1 cup honey: The sweet star that creates a beautifully sticky glaze.
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion (for sauce): Adds freshness and a splash of color to the finished dish.
Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Seasoning adjustments to taste for that perfect final flavor.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken with Panko breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, garlic, ginger paste, toasted sesame oil, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. The key here is to mix just enough to bring everything together without overhandling, preserving the tender texture of the meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Wet your hands with water or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Uniform size helps them cook consistently and look appealing. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet, giving them enough space to cook without touching each other.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes. You want the meatballs to be cooked through, juicy on the inside, and lightly golden on the outside. This method ensures a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, gently heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, being careful not to let it brown. This preserves the delicate sweetness of fresh garlic that builds the sauce’s base.

Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients and Simmer

Add soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, honey, green onions, pepper, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Let this magical mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for a sauce thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—glossy, sticky, and bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Coat Meatballs and Finish Cooking

Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the simmering sauce. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly, allowing them to soak up the sweet garlicky glaze. Cook together for an additional minute so the flavors meld and the meatballs warm through perfectly.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a silver baking tray filled with 28 round dough balls arranged in neat rows and columns. Each dough ball is light beige with small green vegetable pieces scattered inside. The tray shows signs of light baking or use, with brown spots and marks across its surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions on top not only adds beautiful texture and color but also layers extra flavor with every bite. These simple touches take the dish from great to restaurant-quality in seconds.

Side Dishes

Serve these meatballs alongside fluffy steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to balance the sweetness and savory notes. Pickled vegetables also make an excellent side, introducing a tangy contrast that keeps your palate refreshed.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs on skewers for easy party bites or build sliders using mini buns to transform this dish into a playful appetizer. Alternatively, toss the meatballs into a noodle bowl with crunchy veggies for a comforting meal with an Asian flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Love your leftovers? Store any unused meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soggy.

Freezing

This Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. The sauce can be frozen in a sealed container separately. Both will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the meatballs and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method keeps them moist and preserves the rich honey garlic glaze without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute, bringing a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic sauce.

Is the sauce too sweet for savory lovers?

Not at all. The combination of soy sauce and rice vinegar tempers the sweetness of the honey, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both savory and sweet.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari instead.

What’s the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, and gently shape them with wet hands. The egg yolk and Panko breadcrumbs help bind everything together without making them dense.

Can I cook these meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking?

You can pan-fry the meatballs in a little oil until golden and cooked through, then toss them in the honey garlic sauce as usual. Baking is convenient, but stovetop cooking works perfectly too.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor that’s grand enough to impress but easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Give it a try, and I promise these meatballs will quickly earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation!