There’s something utterly irresistible about the sticky, sweet glaze of honey garlic sauce swirling around tender chicken meatballs. One evening, craving comfort food that felt homemade yet special, I whipped up this recipe—and it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. What makes these honey garlic chicken meatballs stand out is their perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of garlic that lingers just right. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, making them ideal for everything from busy weeknights to casual dinner parties. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a delicious new twist on meatballs, this recipe delivers big on flavor without any fuss.
Why choose Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs?
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet honey blends perfectly with savory garlic for a mouthwatering sauce. Quick and Easy: Simple steps make this a weeknight winner without sacrificing taste. Juicy Meatballs: Tender chicken stays moist and flavorful in every bite. Versatile Dish: Serve as a snack, main, or party appetizer—everyone loves them! Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat without losing their delicious charm.
Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- Ground chicken – Use lean ground chicken for tender, juicy meatballs that hold together well.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat mixture and keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
- Egg – Acts as a natural glue to keep the meatballs moist and cohesive.
- Minced garlic – Adds the essential garlicky punch that defines the flavor.
- Grated onion – Unlocks sweetness and moisture, enhancing the meatball’s texture.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors in the chicken.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey – The star sweetener in this honey garlic chicken meatballs recipe that creates a glossy glaze.
- Soy sauce – Adds depth and umami while balancing the sweetness of honey.
- Minced garlic – Extra garlic ensures the sauce is fragrant and bold.
- Apple cider vinegar – Brings a subtle tang that lifts and balances the rich sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) – Thickens the sauce to a perfect sticky consistency.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for nonstick baking and even meatball browning.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, salt, and pepper until just evenly blended.
- Shape meatballs: Use lightly oiled hands to roll mixture into 1½-inch balls, about 16 total, spacing each 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Place the tray in the oven and bake 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch slurry until smooth and lump-free.
- Cook sauce: Pour mixture into a skillet over medium heat; simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until sauce is thick, glossy, and coats a spoon.
- Toss meatballs: Add baked meatballs to skillet; gently stir to coat each in sticky honey garlic sauce, cooking 1–2 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs are a wonderful option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and forming them into balls. Simply refrigerate them covered in an airtight container. On the day you plan to serve, bake the meatballs as directed, and while they are in the oven, whip up the honey garlic sauce so that it’s fresh and hot. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce to ensure they stay just as delicious as when made fresh. With this prep, you’ll save precious time on busy nights while enjoying flavorful homemade goodness!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
Fridge: Store cooked honey garlic chicken meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure the sauce covers the meatballs to maintain moisture.
Freezer: Freeze leftover honey garlic chicken meatballs by arranging them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of water to the sauce to keep meatballs juicy and flavorful.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs?
Looking to create a delightful spread alongside those sweet and savory meatballs? Here are some delicious pairings that will elevate your meal.
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Steamed Broccoli: The fresh, bright taste of broccoli balances the sweetness of the honey glaze beautifully. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for zing!
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Fluffy Rice: A perfect base that soaks up all that delightful honey garlic sauce, making every bite more flavorful. Add chopped green onions for an extra pop of freshness.
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Crunchy Coleslaw: The crisp texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast. Try a sesame dressing to echo the Asian-inspired elements of the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is an indulgent option to mop up any extra sauce. Serve it warm for that cozy touch!
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Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing, and mildly sweet, a cucumber salad adds a crisp crunch that cuts through the richness. A dash of rice vinegar enhances its bright flavors.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complements the sweet and savory notes perfectly, making your dining experience even more enjoyable!
These pairings not only create a colorful plate but also enhance the taste of your honey garlic chicken meatballs, turning a simple dish into a memorable meal. Enjoy!
Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs Variations & Substitutions
Customization is the key to making these honey garlic chicken meatballs your own, so let your culinary creativity shine!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious gluten-free option.
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a flavorful heat that really wakes up the taste buds.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the meatball mixture to add aromatic freshness and a burst of flavor.
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Alternate Meat: Try ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different taste and slightly varying texture that still results in juicy meatballs.
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Veggie Option: Use finely grated zucchini or mushrooms instead of meat for a vegan twist that embraces the same sweet and sticky glaze.
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Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a unique flavor profile that still maintains that essential sweetness and sticky glaze.
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Coconut Soy Sauce: Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free and slightly sweeter alternative to the traditional flavor.
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Baked Variants: Experiment with baking the meatballs with a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that melts beautifully during cooking.
Expert Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
- Use lean ground chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep meatballs juicy without excess fat that can cause them to fall apart.
- Don’t overmix meat: Gently combine ingredients just until blended to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
- Shape evenly: Make uniform 1½-inch meatballs for consistent cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Bake on parchment: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even browning without frying.
- Thicken sauce carefully: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and simmer gently to achieve the perfect glossy honey garlic chicken meatballs glaze.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftover meatballs in the sauce over low heat to keep them moist and flavorful without drying out.
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs with a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Twist Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the ground chicken is fresh enough for these meatballs?
Look for chicken that is pale pink with a slight sheen and no dark spots or off smells. Fresh ground chicken should feel slightly moist but not slimy. If you notice any discoloration or an unpleasant odor, it’s best to choose a fresher package.
What is the best way to store leftover honey garlic chicken meatballs?
Store your cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally covered with some of the honey garlic sauce to keep them moist. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I freeze these honey garlic chicken meatballs? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, first arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer the frozen meatballs into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce.
What if my meatballs turn out dry or crumbly?
Dry or crumbly meatballs often mean the mixture was overmixed or the chicken was too lean without enough binding agents. To fix this, be gentle when mixing—just combine until ingredients are evenly distributed. Adding a bit more egg or a spoonful of plain yogurt next time can boost moisture and binding. Also, avoid overbaking by checking the internal temperature (165°F) promptly to keep them juicy.
Are these honey garlic chicken meatballs safe for pets or those with allergies?
These meatballs contain ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, which are not recommended for dogs or some people with garlic allergies. If cooking for pets or guests with allergies, it’s best to keep a separate batch without these ingredients. For gluten-sensitive diets, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones to keep everyone happy!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs with a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, salt, and pepper until just evenly blended.
- Use lightly oiled hands to roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls, about 16 total, spacing each 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch slurry until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a skillet over medium heat; simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.
- Add baked meatballs to skillet; gently stir to coat each in sauce, cooking 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
