If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice, this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple. Each bite delivers juicy ground chicken infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and green onion, all gently glazed with sesame and soy for a deliciously Asian-inspired appetizer or main. Whether you pan-sear them for golden perfection or opt for fuss-free baking, these meatballs never disappoint—they’re wonderfully versatile, family-friendly, and downright irresistible for weeknight dinners or gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe has a purpose—together, they create irresistible flavor, juiciness, and the perfect tender texture. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, and a quick trip to the store will cover the rest!
- Ground Chicken: The foundation for moist, light meatballs with all the protein punch you want.
- Garlic (minced): Freshly minced garlic brings out aromatic depth and classic Asian flavor.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Adds brightness and that signature zing you can’t miss in any good Asian-inspired dish.
- Green Onions (finely chopped): Lend color, crunch, and a mellow onion note throughout the meatballs.
- Soy Sauce: Brings the salty, umami base that ties the mix together perfectly.
- Sesame Oil: A splash gives an irresistible nutty fragrance, especially classic for this type Appetizer, Main Course.
- Honey: Balances out the savory and adds a hint of sticky sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick—use more or less depending on your spice preferences.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs keep the meatballs ultra tender and light.
- Large Egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring everything holds together beautifully when formed and cooked.
- Olive Oil (for cooking): Perfect for browning the meatballs and adding a touch of richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sesame Seeds & Chopped Green Onions (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a little extra crunch, color, and restaurant-worthy finish.
How to Make Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in your ground chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if using), panko breadcrumbs, and the egg. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix just until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing—this ensures your meatballs stay tender and not tough.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to shape generous tablespoonfuls into 1½-inch balls. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate as you go, keeping the size consistent for even cooking. Slightly damp hands can help prevent sticking during this step.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re deeply golden on all sides and cooked through. (If you’d rather bake, simply arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes.)
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your meatballs are cooked through, transfer them to a serving dish and shower them with toasted sesame seeds and a generous scattering of chopped green onions. Serve immediately while they’re warm and succulent—it’s the best way to enjoy all those flavors!
How to Serve Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make these meatballs shine. Sprinkle sesame seeds and lots of fresh green onions over the top for a simple yet elegant look. If you like a bolder presentation, try a drizzle of sweet chili sauce or a squeeze of lime for extra sparkle and zing.
Side Dishes
Serve this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe over a steaming bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, tossed with noodles, or alongside crunchy stir-fried veggies for a full and balanced meal. They also work wonders with a side of quick pickled veggies or a crisp Asian slaw to add cool contrast to the warm, savory meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, spear the meatballs with toothpicks for easy party bites, or stuff them in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. They also make fantastic sandwich or rice bowl toppers—just add sriracha mayo and some shredded carrots for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat as needed for quick snacks, lunches, or weeknight dinners—without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
For extra convenience, freeze your uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid. Then pop them into a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, no need to thaw—just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll have delicious meatballs on demand.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers until steaming hot, or warm them gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water for a just-cooked taste. If reheating from frozen, bake in a 350°F oven until heated through—they’ll turn out juicy and flavorful every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for chicken in this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe without a hitch. Just be sure to use a blend with a little fat for the juiciest results.
What dipping sauces pair well with these meatballs?
Try a simple blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey for a classic dipping sauce, or add a spoonful of sriracha for a spicy-sweet kick. Hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a garlicky yogurt dip taste wonderful as well.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets. All flavors will still shine through beautifully!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just use a large mixing bowl and cook in batches, or bake on two baking sheets if needed.
Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
They are fantastic for meal prep! Just store cooked meatballs in meal-sized portions and pair with rice or veggies for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe has a way of sneaking into your regular dinner rotation—one batch and you’ll understand why. Gather your simple ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy truly delightful meatballs that always bring the flavor. Give it a try and share the deliciousness!
Print
Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Asian Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Packed with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, these meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions before serving.
Notes
- These meatballs pair perfectly with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
- For a dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or sriracha.
- You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
