Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp minced ginger; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs because they are incredibly easy and bursting with flavor. The sweet and savory glaze adds a delightful touch that keeps everyone coming back for more. I usually serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a quick dinner. The best part is that they are baked instead of fried, which makes them a healthier option without sacrificing taste. If you're looking for a dish that's simple yet impressive, these meatballs are a must-try!

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:36:36.772Z

When I first tried making Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs, I was skeptical about using chicken instead of beef. However, the tenderness and juicy texture of the chicken paired wonderfully with the sticky honey garlic sauce, making it a huge hit at my dinner table. I found that mixing breadcrumbs into the meat mixture not only binds the ingredients together but also keeps the meatballs moist while baking.

One key tip I discovered is to let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes after baking. This allows them to absorb even more flavor, creating a mouthwatering dish that I can't resist. I often serve them alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly sweet and savory honey garlic glaze
Tender chicken meatballs that are baked for a healthier option
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

Perfecting Your Meatballs

When making meatballs, the key is to avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a tough texture. Combine everything gently until just mixed. Use a standard ice cream scoop or your hands to portion out the meatballs evenly; this ensures they bake uniformly. For a moist meatball, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or a splash of chicken broth into the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and texture without adding many calories.

Baking these meatballs is a healthier alternative to frying, but to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, consider broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes in the oven. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. If you're looking for an alternative protein, ground turkey or lean beef can be substituted for the chicken. However, remember that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat's fat content.

Mastering the Honey Garlic Sauce

The balance of sweetness and umami in the honey garlic sauce is crucial. It’s important to use high-quality honey for the best flavor, as cheap varieties can be overly sweet or lack depth. If you want to enhance the sauce further, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If your sauce turns out too thick, a tablespoon of water can help reach the desired consistency without compromising flavor.

To ensure that your sauce doesn’t separate, it’s necessary to stir in the cornstarch mixture slowly while cooking. This mixture acts as a thickener, giving the sauce that glossy finish that's so appetizing. Once mixed, allow the sauce to simmer for an additional minute or two to ensure it’s fully integrated with all the flavors. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little extra honey after it thickens for a richer taste.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp minced ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce is glossy.

Toss and Serve

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the honey garlic sauce until well-coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped cilantro or sesame seeds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking, or they can be turned into a complete meal. Serve them over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Drizzle some extra honey garlic sauce on top for added flavor and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a beautiful presentation.

For a fun twist, try placing the meatballs in a tortilla or lettuce wrap. You could also serve them alongside fresh veggies or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the sauce. For a family-style dinner, make a big batch of meatballs and keep them warm in the sauce, allowing everyone to serve themselves.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, these meatballs store well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll last for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into a sealed freezer bag; this way, they won't stick together. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent them from drying out. Cover with a lid to steam and heat evenly, which should only take about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This ensures that they retain their juicy texture while the sauce gets all warm and inviting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute and will still turn out delicious!

→ What's the best way to store leftover meatballs?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge before baking or even freeze them for later use.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. They're also fantastic as an appetizer with toothpicks!