These Spicy Chicken Meatballs are a perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili flakes or black pepper for added heat. They’re an excellent option for a variety of meals, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a larger dish like spaghetti, sandwiches, or even over rice. These meatballs are also versatile—you can adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different herbs for added flavor. The best part? They’re easy to make, healthy, and packed with protein, making them a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1 lb (450 g)
- Bread crumbs: 1/3 cup (35 g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (for added moisture and flavor)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: 3 tbsp, freshly chopped (or you can use other herbs like cilantro or basil)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes (or black pepper): 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste for spice)
These ingredients come together to make around 20 bite-sized, flavorful meatballs that are packed with juicy chicken and seasoned to perfection.
Steps to Make Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop and mince: Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. This will add depth to the flavor of your meatballs, ensuring each bite is packed with aromatic goodness.
- Chop the herbs: Freshly chop 3 tbsp of parsley. This will brighten up the meatballs with a pop of freshness. You can also substitute or combine it with cilantro, dill, or basil, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Mix the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb (450 g) of ground chicken, 1/3 cup (35 g) of bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1 tbsp of olive oil, the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Add 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of chili flakes or black pepper, depending on your desired spice level.
- Thoroughly mix: Using clean hands or a spatula, mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into meatballs. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more bread crumbs to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out a small portion of the chicken mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. This size makes about 20 meatballs. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up.
- Even size: For even cooking, try to make all the meatballs the same size. You can use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to help with portioning if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. You can also bake or air-fry the meatballs if you prefer a lower-fat option, but pan-frying gives them a delicious golden crust.
- Cook in batches: Place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they don’t touch each other (cook in batches if necessary). Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown color.
- Check doneness: Once browned, reduce the heat slightly and cover the skillet with a lid to let the meatballs cook through for another 4-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (75°C), or cut one open to check for doneness.
- Alternative baking method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant look. Serve them warm as an appetizer with dipping sauces, or pair them with pasta, rice, or a salad for a full meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving of 5 Meatballs)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of 5 meatballs (based on 20 meatballs total):
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
These chicken meatballs are an excellent source of lean protein, and the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. They’re a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, with fewer calories but just as much flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey. Both options are lean and absorb flavors well, so the taste will remain delicious.
2. How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply replace the bread crumbs with a gluten-free alternative, such as crushed gluten-free crackers, oats, or almond flour.
3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile and pair well with many dishes. Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, with a side of roasted vegetables, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or tzatziki.
4. How can I adjust the spice level?
If you like your meatballs spicier, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili flakes or leave them out entirely and just use black pepper.
5. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Making the Perfect Spicy Chicken Meatballs
- Use a mix of fresh and dry herbs: Adding fresh parsley gives the meatballs a bright flavor, but you can also use dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- Moisture matters: Ground chicken can be dry compared to beef or pork, so the addition of olive oil and bread crumbs helps keep these meatballs moist. You can also add a little grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Rest the mixture: Letting the mixture rest for a few minutes before shaping helps the bread crumbs absorb the moisture, making the meatballs easier to shape.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, skillet, or oven.
- Freezing: You can freeze these meatballs, either raw or cooked. For raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs can be frozen after cooling and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These Spicy Chicken Meatballs are the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Packed with lean protein, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs without sacrificing flavor. The spice level can be customized to suit your taste, and they can easily be paired with a variety of sides, from pasta to salads to wraps. Make a batch today and enjoy the delicious, juicy, and tender goodness of these homemade meatballs!