Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes You need ground chicken or turkey for these meatballs. It keeps them light and tasty. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan cheese brings a nice salty flavor. Green onions add a fresh crunch. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic gives depth, and the spices add just the right kick. - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tbsp soy sauce - 1 tbsp sesame oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish The glaze is simple yet flavorful. Sweet chili sauce provides the main sweetness. Soy sauce adds a savory note, and sesame oil brings a nutty taste. Fresh cilantro on top adds a pop of color and freshness. Together, these ingredients make the meatballs shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing Ingredients Thoroughly Start with a large bowl. Add the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Next, toss in the finely chopped green onions, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients blend nicely. This step helps flavor every bite of the meatballs. Forming the Meatballs Once your mixture is combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each one to let them cook properly. Oven Temperature and Timing Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the meatballs a nice golden color. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Checking for Doneness To check if the meatballs are done, look for a golden brown color. You can also cut one in half to see if it’s cooked through. There should be no pink inside, and the juices should run clear. If they need more time, put them back in the oven for a few more minutes. Combining the Sauce Ingredients While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sweet chili glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir them together to mix well. Heating and Serving the Glaze Heat the sauce over medium heat. Stir it until it warms up. This usually takes a few minutes. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat. When your meatballs are done, place them in a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili glaze over them and gently toss to coat. This adds a delicious, shiny finish. Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet for five more minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze a bit, making it extra tasty. After that, let them cool slightly and enjoy! Ensuring Moisture and Flavor To keep meatballs juicy, use ground chicken or turkey. These meats are leaner, so they need help to stay moist. I add breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and texture. The egg binds the mixture and adds moisture. Always mix well but don’t overwork the meat. This helps keep them tender. Ideal Meatball Size Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for each meatball. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. If the meatballs are too large, they may not cook through. If too small, they might dry out. Make sure to space them evenly on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate while baking. How to Achieve Caramelization Caramelization gives meatballs a beautiful color and a rich taste. To achieve this, pour the sweet chili glaze over the meatballs after baking. Then, return them to the oven for about 5 minutes. This step allows the glaze to bubble and thicken, creating that perfect sticky finish. Best Practices for Coating When coating the meatballs, do it gently. Use a large bowl to toss them with the glaze. This method ensures even coverage. If you want extra glaze, you can set some aside before tossing. Use it for dipping when serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps things fun! Pro Tips Use Chilled Ingredients: Keeping your ground chicken or turkey chilled until you're ready to mix helps the meatballs retain their shape and texture while baking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the flakes, or for more heat, add extra. Cooking Time Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the meatballs as they bake. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Perfect Glaze Application: For an even glaze, toss the meatballs gently to coat them before returning them to the oven. This ensures a delicious caramelized finish. {{image_2}} Using Beef or Pork You can swap ground chicken for beef or pork. These meats add rich flavor. Use the same amount, one pound. Adjust the spices if needed. Pork gives a sweet taste, while beef is hearty. Vegetarian Options: Plant-Based Alternatives For a vegetarian version, try plant-based ground meat. Look for brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible. They mimic texture and taste well. Use the same ingredients and process as with chicken. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Adding Pineapple or Lemon Zest Pineapple can add a sweet twist to your meatballs. Chop fresh pineapple and mix it into the meatball mixture. Lemon zest brings a bright, fresh flavor. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference. Heat Levels: Adjusting Spicy Elements If you like it spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try sriracha in the glaze for extra heat. For milder meatballs, reduce the spice. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. Refrigeration Tips After enjoying your sweet chili glazed meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep the meatballs moist. Freezing Guidelines If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Best Methods for Reheating Meatballs To reheat your meatballs, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking. Ensuring Texture and Flavor Retention When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the meatballs juicy. Avoid high heat as it can dry them out. If using the microwave, let them sit for a minute before eating. This helps the heat spread evenly. Enjoy your meatballs just like the first time! To make these meatballs ahead, start by preparing the meatball mixture. Mix all the ingredients as usual. Then, form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. You can freeze them before baking. This keeps them fresh. Storage Tips for Make-Ahead Meals: - Place uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray. - Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. - Transfer to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. - Store for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, bake from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can swap the sweet chili sauce for other sauces. Some popular options include teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce. Each gives a unique flavor. Combining Flavors for Unique Dishes: Mix sauces to create new tastes. For instance, blend sweet chili sauce with soy sauce for a richer profile. You can also add honey for more sweetness or sriracha for heat. These meatballs go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Stir-fried veggies - Asian slaw - Noodles tossed in sesame oil Occasion-Specific Pairing Suggestions: For a casual dinner, serve with rice and veggies. If hosting a party, offer them with toothpicks alongside a fresh salad. They make great appetizers! In this post, we explored how to make Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs. We covered key ingredients, how to prepare and bake them, plus tips to make them perfect. You can enjoy different protein options and flavor variations. Store your leftovers well and reheat them to keep their taste. Now, you can impress your friends and family with this tasty dish. Have fun cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!$

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a sweet chili glaze, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
0.33 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
none 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, Parmesan cheese, green onions, beaten egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until heated through, then remove from the heat.
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the sweet chili glaze over the top. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet for an additional 5 minutes in the oven or until the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, meatballs, sweet chili