Description
These Easy Firecracker Meatballs are packed with flavor! Made with lean ground chicken and seasoned with ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and a kick of sriracha, these meatballs are coated in a creamy, spicy firecracker sauce. Perfect for a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Firecracker Meatballs:
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1 lb lean ground chicken
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1 tbsp finely minced ginger (see notes)
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2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tbsp sriracha sauce
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs (do not use fine breadcrumbs)
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3 tbsp minced green onion whites (about 2 green onions), diced green parts for optional garnish
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½ tsp kosher salt
For the Firecracker Sauce:
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3 tbsp mayo (Duke’s made with olive oil for a lighter version)
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5 tbsp light sour cream
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2–3 tbsp water (plus more if needed)
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1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
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1 tsp honey
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¼ tsp each garlic powder and smoked paprika
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2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced ginger, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sriracha, panko breadcrumbs, minced green onion whites, and kosher salt.
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Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
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Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Make the Firecracker Sauce:
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While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, water, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and soy sauce.
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Mix until smooth and creamy. Add more water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
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Coat the Meatballs:
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Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
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Pour the firecracker sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
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Serve:
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Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired. These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or with a side of rice for a complete meal!
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Notes
If you want a milder version, you can reduce the amount of sriracha in both the meatballs and the sauce.
You can also use ground turkey or lean ground beef as an alternative to chicken.
For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts to the meatball mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired