Name: Baked Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs; 3 tablespoons Milk; 1 pound Gold’n Plump® Ground Chicken; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Shallot (minced); 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (minced); 1 large Egg (lightly beaten); 2 teaspoons Soy sauce; ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon Black pepper; 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons Fresh ginger (minced); ⅓ cup Oyster sauce; 3 tablespoons Soy sauce; ¼ cup Honey; 1.5 teaspoons Cornstarch; 1 tablespoon Water; 1 head Boston lettuce (leaves separated); to taste Toasted sesame seeds; to taste Red bell pepper (chopped); to taste Fresh cilantro (chopped); to taste Green onion (chopped); to taste Lime wedges

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There’s something special about a dish that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor, and that’s exactly what Baked Chicken Meatballs delivers. I still remember the first time I took a bite of these savory delights; the tender texture of the meatballs paired with the rich, sweet oyster sauce left a lasting impression. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving comfort food but wanted something a bit lighter than the usual fare. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, I was able to create a dish that felt both gourmet and satisfying.

As I prepared the ingredients, I was reminded of the joy of cooking. The sound of the oven preheating, the fragrant aroma of minced garlic and ginger filling the kitchen—it all came together to create a cozy atmosphere. There’s truly nothing better than a home-cooked meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, these meatballs are the perfect solution to any meal dilemma. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
45 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
295 kcal

Protein:
20 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Skillet, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Meatballs

Flavor Explosion

One of the things I absolutely love about Baked Chicken Meatballs is the incredible burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of ground chicken, fresh ginger, and a touch of soy sauce creates a harmonious balance that’s hard to beat. You’ll find that the flavors meld beautifully, making it hard to stop at just one.

Easy to Prepare

We all have busy lives, and that’s why I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. With only a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. The prep is minimal, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Healthy and Nutritious

Using lean ground chicken rather than beef or pork makes this dish a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. It’s packed with protein and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. Plus, you get to load it up with fresh garnishes like cilantro and red bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.

Customizable

One of the standout features of these Baked Chicken Meatballs is their versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Want to add some heat? Toss in some chili flakes. Prefer a different sauce? Swap out the sauce for your favorite! The options are endless.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a great meal prep option, these meatballs are ideal! They store well in the refrigerator and can even be frozen for later use. You can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Impressive Presentation

Last but not least, let’s talk presentation. Serving these meatballs in lettuce wraps not only adds a fun element but also makes them visually appealing. The bright colors of the garnishes create a feast for the eyes, and who doesn’t love a meal that looks as good as it tastes?

What’s In This Baked Chicken Meatballs

The ingredients for Baked Chicken Meatballs are a lovely mix that works together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture, creating a dish that’s satisfying and wholesome. You’ll find that the blend of fresh ingredients, from the ginger to the garlic, brings out a rich depth of flavor, making these meatballs truly unforgettable.

Panko bread crumbs – These provide the perfect amount of crunch and help keep the meatballs tender. Their light texture prevents the meatballs from becoming too dense.
Milk – A splash of milk hydrates the bread crumbs and ensures the meatballs remain moist throughout the cooking process.
Gold’n Plump® Ground Chicken – A lean protein that’s not only healthy but also takes on the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully.
Minced garlic – This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that’s essential in many cuisines.
Minced shallot – Shallots offer a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the overall dish.
Minced fresh ginger – A must-have for that zingy flavor, it brightens up the dish and works perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce.
Large egg – Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together and ensuring they don’t fall apart during cooking.
Soy sauce – Adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness from the sauce.
Black pepper – A touch of heat to round off the flavor profile.
Vegetable oil – Used for sautéing, it helps create a delicious base for your sauce.
Sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the sauce.
Oyster sauce – A key ingredient in the sweet sauce, this brings depth and richness.
Honey – Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a delicious natural sweetness.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture.
Water – Helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
Boston lettuce – Serves as a fresh wrap for the meatballs, adding crunch and texture.
Toasted sesame seeds, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, green onion, lime wedges – These optional garnishes add color, flavor, and a fresh finish to your dish.

The Process for Making Baked Chicken Meatballs

Getting started with these Baked Chicken Meatballs is an enjoyable process that fills the kitchen with wonderful aromas. You’ll see just how easy it is to create these savory bites right in your own home! Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this recipe.

Preheat your oven to 450° F. While it’s heating, grab a mini muffin pan and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will help the meatballs come out easily after they’re cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the panko bread crumbs and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the bread crumbs absorb the milk entirely.
Once the milk is absorbed, add the ground chicken, minced garlic, minced shallot, minced ginger, large egg, soy sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Now, it’s time to portion out the meatballs. I like to use a medium scoop, roughly the size of two tablespoons. This will yield about 20 to 22 meatballs, which is perfect for sharing. Roll the mixture lightly in your hands to form neat balls before placing them into the mini muffin pan.
Pop the muffin pan in the oven and bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and look for a golden color; they should be fully cooked through by the end of the baking time.
While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the sweet oyster sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium to medium-low heat, combine the vegetable oil and sesame oil. Allow the oils to warm up before adding the minced garlic and minced ginger. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Once the garlic and ginger are softened and fragrant, stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken it a bit while allowing the flavors to meld.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. When the sauce is gently bubbling, whisk in the slurry. Let it bubble away for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove it from heat.
Once your meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot sweet oyster sauce over the top and gently fold the meatballs to coat them evenly with the sauce.
To serve, take a lettuce leaf and place one or two of the meatballs inside. Top with optional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds, chopped red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, chopped green onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Enjoy this delightful dish!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, make sure not to overmix. Gentle handling keeps them tender.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches at least 165° F.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic will make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried or powdered versions.
Garnish Wisely: Experiment with different garnishes to find your favorite combination. Each adds unique flavor and visual appeal!

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some tips and substitutions for making your own version of Baked Chicken Meatballs. These suggestions can help tailor the recipe to your taste and needs.

Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Pairing: Serve these meatballs with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for a new flavor twist.
Garnishing: Try adding some sliced jalapeños or crushed peanuts as garnishes for a bit of extra spice and texture.

Serving This Baked Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to serving your Baked Chicken Meatballs, the options are as diverse as your taste buds. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your dish stand out:

As Lettuce Wraps: Serve the meatballs in Boston lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy wrap. It’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
With Rice: Pair these meatballs with fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up the sweet oyster sauce—delicious!
For Parties: These meatballs are fantastic for gatherings. Serve them as a finger food option, allowing guests to create their own wraps.
Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend, and pack them as part of your lunch for the week. They reheat beautifully!
Seasonal Flavors: Consider seasonal garnishes like fresh herbs in spring or roasted vegetables in winter for a seasonal flair.
Family Dinners: A great dish for casual family dinners, pair it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal everyone will love.

FAQ

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great alternative to ground chicken in this recipe. It’s leaner and still provides a delicious flavor. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as ground turkey can sometimes cook faster than chicken.

Leftover Baked Chicken Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain their texture.

These meatballs are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with various dipping sauces! Sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a homemade spicy mayonnaise would pair wonderfully. Feel free to get creative and find the perfect match for your taste buds!

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

In summary, Baked Chicken Meatballs offer a deliciously unique twist on a classic dish. Their tender texture and rich flavor, combined with the sweet oyster sauce, create a memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give them a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these meatballs are bound to impress!