Let me tell you about my absolute obsession with these Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs! Picture this: juicy chicken meatballs that are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, all thanks to that glorious hot honey glaze. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth! I remember the first time I made these for a gathering; everyone was raving about them and kept coming back for more. They’re not just delicious; they’re also super easy to whip up, making them a go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll be a regular on your dinner table too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs sing with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground chicken – This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that extra savory kick and creaminess!
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor; don’t skip it!
- 1 egg – This will help hold everything together, making our meatballs nice and moist.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for that aromatic depth; you can never have too much!
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup hot honey – This is what makes these meatballs truly special! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – A drizzle of this on the meatballs gives them a lovely golden finish.
Once you’ve got all your ingredients ready, you’ll be just a few steps away from a delicious meal!
How to Prepare Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs! It’s a super straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial! Preheating ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and develop that lovely golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a fork, gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This will keep the meatballs tender and juicy. We want them fluffy, not dense!
Form Meatballs
Now it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs. I usually aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter—just the right size for a mouthful of deliciousness! Make sure to keep your hands slightly wet to prevent the mixture from sticking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to breathe.
Bake the Meatballs
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the meatballs—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. To check if they’re done, you can use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time for the magic touch! Drizzle the hot honey over the meatballs while they’re still warm. This sticky, sweet goodness enhances the flavor and gives them that irresistible glaze. You’ll be amazed at how the sweetness balances perfectly with the spice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Perfectly balanced flavors of spicy and sweet that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Nutritious ingredients make these meatballs a great option for a healthy dinner.
- Gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy them!
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap!
Tips for Success
To really nail these Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs, here are some pro tips from my kitchen to yours! First, feel free to adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice preference—if you like it spicier, go for a little extra! Also, don’t hesitate to mix in different herbs or cheeses for a unique twist. For serving, I love pairing them with a side of fluffy rice or a vibrant salad; it adds a nice contrast to the meatballs. And if you have any leftovers, they’re fantastic in a wrap for lunch the next day—trust me, you’ll want to keep them around!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs. This information is helpful if you’re keeping an eye on your diet or just curious about what’s in these tasty bites!
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or variations in the recipe. Enjoy these meatballs knowing they’re packed with flavor and some pretty good nutrition too!
FAQ Section
Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients, form the meatballs, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It saves time on busy nights and makes dinner a breeze!
What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs are super versatile! I love serving them with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that spicy-sweet glaze. A crisp salad or roasted veggies make a refreshing side too. You can even throw them in a wrap with some greens for a delicious lunch option!
Can I freeze the meatballs?
You bet! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, drizzling with hot honey just before serving. Easy-peasy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Simply arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw! Just bake the frozen meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, drizzling with hot honey just before serving to bring back that irresistible glaze. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or learn how to make honey-glazed carrots for a perfect side dish!
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Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave Them
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy and sweet chicken meatballs coated in hot honey sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined and form into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your spice preference.
- Serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs, chicken meatballs, spicy meatballs, sweet meatballs