Zesty Firecracker Chicken Meatballs: A Family Favorite Recipe

This recipe highlights Firecracker Meatballs, showcasing a delightful mix of tender, spicy meatballs enveloped in a sweet and sticky sriracha sauce. It’s an unforgettable dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick meal solution.

Meatballs offer versatility beyond classic spaghetti pairings, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners with varieties like Garlic Butter Meatballs, French Onion Meatballs, or Honey BBQ Meatballs. The Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, striking a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy elements. They can be enjoyed over rice for a simple dinner or served on toothpicks as an eye-catching game day appetizer.

Inspired by Asian cuisine, these firecracker meatballs combine spicy, tangy, and sweet notes, typically crafted from ground chicken or pork and glazed with a sticky sauce, reminiscent of Honey Sriracha Meatballs.

This recipe demands only 15 minutes of active preparation time, making it a family-friendly option. It also includes several handy tips for creating delectable firecracker chicken meatballs.

**Ingredients encompass ground chicken (or turkey as an alternative), panko bread crumbs, and onions:**

**For the meatballs:**
– Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey.
– Panko bread crumbs – For gluten-free meatballs, utilize gluten-free panko.
– **Egg** – Essential for binding the meatballs.
– **Soy sauce** – For a gluten-free version, consider tamari or coconut aminos, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce to lower the salt content.
– **Onion** – Either yellow or white onion will work well.
– **Fresh cilantro** – Finely chop for easier incorporation into the meat mixture.
– **Jalapeño pepper** – Use caution and wear gloves when handling.
– **Garlic** – Either press it with a garlic press or finely grate/mince if you don’t have a press.
– **Ginger** – Grate or finely mince.
– **Sesame oil** – Ideal for cooking the chicken meatballs.

**For the sauce:**
– **Light brown sugar** – Brings sweetness to the firecracker meatball sauce.
– **Orange juice** – Adds a citrusy flavor and additional sweetness. Fresh or bottled juice can both be used.
– **Sriracha** – Known as rooster sauce, it’s perfect for this dish, although any preferred hot sauce can substitute.
– **Rice wine vinegar** – Avoid seasoned varieties as they are sweetened. Apple cider vinegar is a fitting alternative.
– **Crushed red pepper** – Adjust according to your desired heat level.

**Optional Garnish:**
– **Green onions** – Slice thinly for topping. Sesame seeds or additional cilantro also serve as excellent garnishes.

Check the recipe card at the end for a complete list of ingredient quantities.

### Recipe Variations

If you enjoy this recipe and are looking to mix it up, here are a few easy suggestions:

– **Firecracker Turkey Meatballs** – Swap ground turkey for the chicken.
– **Baked Firecracker Chicken Meatballs** – Bake the meatballs in the oven until fully cooked. Prepare the sauce on the stovetop until it thickens, then combine the meatballs with the sauce.
– **Firecracker Meatball Sliders** – Serve meatballs on Hawaiian dinner rolls accompanied by coleslaw for a fun twist.
– **Pork Firecracker Meatballs** – Use ground pork instead of chicken.

### Recipe Step by Step

Below are key highlights of the process for creating firecracker meatballs, but refer to the detailed instructions on the recipe card for complete guidance.

1. **Step 1** – In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients.
2. **Step 2** – Shape the meatballs and sear them in a skillet until browned on all sides.
3. **Step 3** – In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients.
4. **Step 4** – Simmer the meatballs in the sauce until cooked through and the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky texture.### Recipe Tips

1. **Finely chop jalapeño and onion** – This guarantees that the flavors are evenly distributed without large pieces in the meatballs, which helps maintain their moisture and tenderness. You can use an electric chopper, finely mince, or grate them with a knife.

2. **Mix ground chicken by hand** – Using your hands ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly combined while preventing the meat from being overworked, maintaining tender meatballs.

3. **Prepare ingredients in advance** – Getting all your components ready before cooking can streamline the cooking process.

When you’re ready to begin cooking, consider these helpful suggestions:

– **Utilize a cookie dough scoop**: This tool will help create meatballs of uniform size that cook evenly, making them ideal for serving at events.

– **Don’t overcrowd the skillet**: To ensure proper searing and prevent uneven cooking or steaming, use a spacious skillet that allows the meatballs ample room to cook.

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### Recipe Shortcuts

If you’re pressed for time but want to enjoy this dish, consider these quick tips to expedite the cooking process:

– **Opt for store-bought meatballs**: Although homemade is preferred for flavor, store-bought options can save time.

– **Make meatballs ahead of time**: Dedicate roughly 10 minutes on a Sunday to prepare a batch of meatballs and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

– **Prepare the firecracker meatball sauce in advance**: You can whip up the sauce 2-3 days before cooking and store it in the refrigerator until required.

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### Freezer Meal Instructions

Transforming this firecracker meatball recipe into a freezer meal is easy, allowing for storage of up to six months:

– **Freezing before cooking**: Shape the meatballs and freeze them until solid. Prepare the sauce separately. Store both in the freezer and thaw in the fridge prior to cooking.

– **Freezing after cooking**: Place the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

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### What to Pair with Firecracker Meatballs

These Asian-inspired firecracker meatballs complement various side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some suggestions:

– Traditional Asian sides
– Health-conscious options to balance the meal

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### Side Dish Suggestions

– Pair with rice or noodles
– Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a nutritionally balanced meal

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### Firecracker Meatball Leftovers

Leftovers can be transformed into exciting new dishes. Here’s how to store and repurpose them:

– Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for a month.

#### Ideas for Leftover Recipes

– **Firecracker Lettuce Wraps**: Reheat and chop the meatballs, serving them in lettuce with your choice of toppings.

– **Firecracker Fried Rice**: Incorporate chopped meatballs into your favorite fried rice recipe.

– **Firecracker Meatball Subs**: Fill hoagie rolls with reheated meatballs and toppings.

– **Firecracker Meatball Bowls**: Serve with rice, vegetables, and other ingredients for a customizable meal.

### Recipe FAQs

**Does egg make meatballs hard?**
Adding egg helps bind the meatballs and prevents them from disintegrating, but excess egg can toughen them. Thankfully, the egg proportions in this recipe are ideal, so your meatballs will remain tender!

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**Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?**
Choosing to bake or fry meatballs is ultimately up to personal preference. Baking uses less oil, while frying creates a crispier exterior and enhances the flavor. For this recipe, frying is recommended to allow the meatballs to soak in more flavor from the sauce.

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**How spicy are firecracker meatballs?**
These firecracker chicken meatballs are fairly spicy! If you prefer milder options, consider trying Hawaiian Meatballs instead. To tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of jalapeño in the meatballs or omit the red pepper flakes in the sauce.

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### More Easy Chicken Recipes

If you liked this recipe, explore additional easy chicken dishes for your next busy evening!

You can find all my **easy chicken recipes here** or check out some favorites among our readers below.Sure! Here is a rewritten version of the provided text:

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30 minutes mins

8

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Firecracker Sauce. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients for the meatballs, excluding the sesame oil. Use your hands to blend the mixture until fully combined.
  Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls.
• In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them for 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Pour the firecracker sauce over the meatballs and let it come to a simmer. Cook the meatballs in the sauce for 8-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F.
• Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce and garnish with sliced green onions before serving warm.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Information

Serving:
3
meatballs

,

Calories:
306
kcal
(15%)

,

Carbohydrates:
28
g
(9%)

,

Protein:
23
g
(46%)

,

Fat:

12g (18%),
Saturated Fat: 3g (19%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat:

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Be sure to let me know if you need any further modifications or a different style!Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the nutritional information while retaining the original details:

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0.1g, Cholesterol: 118mg (39%), Sodium: 603mg (26%), Potassium: 729mg (21%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 20g (22%), Vitamin A: 164IU (3%), Vitamin C: 14mg (17%), Calcium: 51mg (5%), Iron: 2mg (11%)