Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Juicy
The first time I made hot honey chicken meatballs, I couldn’t stop eating them! The sweet and spicy glaze perfectly complements the tender, juicy meatballs. They’re easy to make, full of bold flavors, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Plus, you can tweak the recipe based on your preferences, making it ideal for everything from dinner parties to simple weeknight meals. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Discover how easy it is to make the Hot Honey Chicken Flatbread Recipe at home.
Ingredients You will Need
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Note: This recipe yields about 20 meatballs, serving approximately 4 people.
Variations to Try
This recipe is highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones.
- Keto-friendly: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour to lower the carb count.
- Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce in the glaze.
- Herbed flavor: Mix in finely chopped parsley or cilantro with the meatball mixture.
- Dairy-free: Substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative, like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter.
Discover flavorful dinner recipes that everyone in your family will love.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl: To combine and season the meatball mixture.
- Non-stick skillet: For browning the meatballs evenly.
- Tongs or spatula: To flip the meatballs without breaking them.
- Small saucepan: To prepare the hot honey glaze.
- Whisk: To mix the glaze until smooth.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs?
Making these savory-sweet meatballs is a quick and organized process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress!
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix the ingredients together.
Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and dry. Aim for a well-combined, soft texture.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Each should be about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. If the mixture becomes sticky, lightly oil your hands for easier handling.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring space between each to allow even browning. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage, as they’ll finish in the glaze later.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the meatballs are browning, prepare the hot honey glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the honey and hot sauce, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Once the meatballs are browned, pour the hot honey glaze over them in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with hot honey chicken meatballs!
- A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Easy to make and ready in under an hour.
- Great for appetizers, party snacks, or main courses.
- Customizable to suit different heat and flavor preferences.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs?
Serve these meatballs as an elegant appetizer by piling them onto a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a hearty main dish, pair them with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. If you like dipping sauces, ranch or blue cheese dressing works wonderfully to balance the spice.
Check out the full details of our Hot Honey Ground Chicken Recipe now.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional breakdown per serving.
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
Hot honey chicken meatballs are excellent for meal prep or storing leftovers.
Refrigeration: After cooking, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to revive the glaze.
Freezing: To freeze the meatballs, cook them as directed but skip the glazing step. Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, warm them up, and toss them in freshly made hot honey glaze.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few personal tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfect every time.
- Use a light touch when mixing and forming the meatballs to keep their texture tender.
- Browning the meatballs adds flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Taste and adjust the glaze to suit your spice tolerance.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the glaze for extra sauciness.
- To avoid sticky hands, lightly oil them before rolling the meatballs.
Hot honey chicken meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, making them a hit at any meal or gathering. Whether you serve them as finger foods or part of a larger spread, they’re sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and savor the incredible flavors you can easily create at home!
Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense and dry. Aim for a well-combined, soft texture.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Each should be about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or tray as you go. If the mixture becomes sticky, lightly oil your hands for easier handling.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring space between each to allow even browning. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage, as they’ll finish in the glaze later.
- While the meatballs are browning, prepare the hot honey glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the honey and hot sauce, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if needed.
- Once the meatballs are browned, pour the hot honey glaze over them in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the glaze has thickened.