If you’re looking for a delightful dish that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of barbeque with tender, juicy meatballs, then you’ve got to try my Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe. This recipe is a perfect balance of succulent ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a luscious honey-infused barbeque sauce that will make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a main event for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, these meatballs deliver flavor, ease, and a little bit of homemade magic in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an important role. From the ground chicken providing our lean protein base, to the honey that adds a beautiful golden sweetness to the sauce, every item is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best taste and texture.
- 1 lb. ground chicken: The star protein, tender and mild, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, subtle onion bite and vibrant color.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: The natural glue that holds everything together.
- 2 tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brings in a burst of herbal brightness.
- 1 tsp. minced garlic: Infuses a savory depth essential for hearty flavor.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick without overpowering.
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce: Forms the saucy base that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup honey: Delivers the sweet note that balances out the tang.
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory umami character.
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to cut through richness.
- ½ tsp. garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky punch in the sauce.
- ½ tsp. salt: Ensures perfect seasoning in the barbeque glaze.
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper: A hint of pepper to round off the sauce.
How to Make Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, beaten eggs, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or your meatballs might turn out dense instead of tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Next, shape the mixture into even-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size keeps them juicy inside while allowing them to cook evenly. You should get roughly 20 to 24 meatballs from the mixture, making sure each is uniform helps with consistent cooking.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Place the meatballs in the hot pan without crowding them, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re browned all over. This sears in the juices and creates a beautiful crust that keeps the meatballs moist inside.
Step 4: Make the Honey Barbeque Sauce
While the meatballs brown, whisk together tomato sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens — the honey adds sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy tomato and vinegar. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, pour the sauce into the skillet with the meatballs and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally so they caramelize beautifully in the glaze and soak up the sauce’s flavors.
How to Serve Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish visually and add fresh accents. Try sprinkling chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions over the meatballs just before serving. Adding a dash of sesame seeds can also provide a little crunch and an appealing contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the saucy goodness. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette help balance the richness of the meatballs and keep the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on soft slider buns for easy handheld bites perfect for parties. Alternatively, you can skewer them and offer as finger food dipped in extra sauce. They also make fabulous pizza toppings or additions to a hearty pasta bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, place any leftover meatballs along with the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or a quick reheat during the week.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Freeze them separately on a tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag along with some sauce. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Gently reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or microwave them covered to maintain moisture. If needed, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep them saucy and tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken?
Absolutely! While this Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe shines with chicken’s lightness, ground turkey or lean beef will work great too, adjusting cooking times as needed.
How do I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture just right without gluten.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! This recipe focuses on sweet and tangy flavors, but if you like a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great hands-off alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined sheet for about 15-18 minutes until cooked through, then toss them in the sauce on the stove.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Keep things simple and serve the meatballs with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping. They’re a guaranteed hit as finger food with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall head over heels for this Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try and watch these meatballs disappear from the plate faster than you can say “second helping!”
Print
Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and tangy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer. Made with ground chicken and seasoned breadcrumbs, they are tender and flavorful, coated in a homemade honey barbeque sauce that combines honey, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Honey Barbeque Sauce
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, beaten eggs, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside on a plate or tray.
- Make the honey barbeque sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking to brown them on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour the honey barbeque sauce over the browned meatballs. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from heat and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. These meatballs pair perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or as a hearty appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are cooked thoroughly by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- These meatballs also work well baked in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes if you prefer that method.
