Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings. Adjustments to ingredient quantities may be made automatically, but cooking times and instructions remain the same. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

Meatballs

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeo pepper
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and pressed
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs

Firecracker Sauce

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 475F (245C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, jalapeo, soy sauce, onion powder, ground ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Add ground chicken and panko breadcrumbs, gently mixing until just combined.
3. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs. Wet your hands to shape them evenly and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should read 160F (71C).
5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the firecracker sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
6. Once baked, dip each meatball into the sauce or brush them generously. Return to the baking sheet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to set the sauce.
7. Drizzle or brush additional sauce over the meatballs as desired. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve, leaving extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Cook's Note

Select a hot sauce based on your preferred spice level. For a milder flavor, use Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce. Adjust the quantity of sauce to suit your taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 259
• Total Fat: 10g (12%)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (14%)
• Cholesterol: 112mg (37%)
• Sodium: 826mg (36%)
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g (9%)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3%)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 21g (41%)
• Vitamin C: 18mg (20%)
• Calcium: 49mg (4%)
• Iron: 2mg (10%)
• Potassium: 637mg (14%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrient data may not be available for all ingredients. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian for medically restrictive diets.