Craving a tasty twist on chicken? Let me introduce you to Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Meatballs. This savory delight bursts with flavor and is easy to make. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create these juicy meatballs, share tips for the perfect glaze, and offer serving ideas that will impress any guest. Get ready to elevate your meal with this delicious dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that is irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, these meatballs can be whipped up in no time.
- Versatile Dish: These meatballs are great as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap for a tasty meal on the go.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet glaze makes these meatballs a hit with children, making dinner time easier for parents.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein content: 20 grams
- Fat and carbohydrate breakdown: 12 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs
I love using ground chicken for these meatballs. It keeps them juicy and light. The breadcrumbs help bind everything, giving them a nice texture. Adding green onions and garlic gives a fresh taste. Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that I can’t resist.
Soy sauce and honey create that perfect sweet and salty mix. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that ties it all together. Rice vinegar brightens the dish, while black pepper and chili flakes give a mild kick.
For garnish, I always sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. They not only look great but add more flavor. This dish is a hit with everyone. It’s simple yet packed with taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, even cook. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later.
2. Mixing the meatball ingredients
In a large bowl, combine these ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (if you like heat)
Use your hands to mix everything well. You want it to be fully combined but not overworked.
3. Forming the meatballs
Take small portions of the mixture and form them into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them for even cooking.
Cooking Steps
1. Baking time and temperature
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
2. Glazing technique
While the meatballs bake, make your glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Brush half of this glaze over the meatballs about halfway through the baking time. This helps create a rich flavor.
3. Finishing touches
In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the rest of the glaze on the meatballs. This gives them an extra sticky finish. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious honey soy glazed chicken meatballs!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Glaze
To get the right glaze, mix honey and soy sauce. You want it smooth and thick. If it’s too thin, add more honey. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Brush half the glaze on the meatballs before baking. This step gives them great flavor. For a shiny finish, brush more glaze on during the last few minutes of baking. This makes the meatballs sticky and tasty.
Cooking Techniques
Baking works best for these meatballs. It cooks them evenly and keeps them juicy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. Form the meatballs about one inch wide. This size cooks well without drying out. If you prefer, you can pan-fry them too. Just ensure they are browned on all sides. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.
Pro Tips
- Choosing the Right Chicken: For the juiciest meatballs, opt for ground chicken thigh instead of breast, as it has more fat and flavor.
- Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the glaze, such as adding a splash of sriracha or a dash of lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Keep Them Uniform: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that all meatballs are the same size for even cooking and presentation.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change some ingredients to fit your taste. Instead of breadcrumbs, try oats or quinoa as binders. They add a nice texture. If you want more flavor, think about adding herbs like basil or spices like cumin. These changes can add fun twists to your meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs shine when paired with rice or noodles. The glaze blends well with the carbs. For a fun twist, serve them in lettuce wraps. This makes a great low-carb option. Skewers are another creative choice. Just slide the meatballs onto sticks for easy eating. Your guests will love these unique serving ideas!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store your honey soy glazed chicken meatballs in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Lay the meatballs on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months.
Reheating Recommendations
Reheat your meatballs in the oven for best results. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place meatballs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth.
To keep the meatballs moist, add a splash of water or broth when reheating. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
FAQs
Common Questions
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. Both options work well and keep the meatballs tasty.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey. It will give a slightly different taste but still works great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; turkey may take a bit longer.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one open to see if the meat is no longer pink inside.
Additional Queries
What dipping sauces pair well with honey soy chicken meatballs?
These meatballs taste great with sweet and sour sauce, peanut sauce, or a spicy sriracha dip. Try different sauces to find your favorite!
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can! Make the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for later use. Just thaw them before baking.
This blog post covered everything you need for honey soy chicken meatballs. We discussed the ingredients, from ground chicken to fresh cilantro, along with nutritional info. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You also learned tips to perfect your glaze and variations for unique flavors. Finally, I provided storage tips and answered common questions.
Enjoy making these delicious meatballs! They are easy and fun, plus you can personalize them. Happy cookin

Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Brush half of the honey soy glaze over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze over the meatballs for an extra sticky finish.
- Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.