BBQ Chicken Meatballs
You’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate comfort food: BBQ Chicken Meatballs. Juicy, tender, and dripping with a luscious barbecue glaze, these meatballs evoke warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers, this recipe brings together a wonderful blend of flavors that are sure to please the whole family. Fast to prepare and oh-so-rewarding in taste, these meatballs are not just a meal—they’re an experience, a treat that captures the spirit of home cooking that we all cherished growing up.
A Saucy Question That Will Make Your Mouth Water
Remember the last time you savored a barbecue feast with family and friends? Can you imagine sinking your teeth into a meatball smothered in savory barbecue sauce that leaves you licking your fingers clean? Picture your loved ones gathered around, sharing laughter and stories, as they dive into a platter of these irresistible BBQ Chicken Meatballs. How delectable would it be to recreate that joy in your own kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making BBQ Chicken Meatballs is not only fun but also surprisingly simple and rewarding. Here are a few reasons to dive into this recipe:
- Quick Preparations: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these meatballs in a flash.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will fall head over heels for the sweet, tangy sauce and juicy bites.
- Healthy Twist: Ground chicken offers a leaner option compared to traditional meatballs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, BBQs, or a casual weeknight dinner.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of the components tucked away in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
These ingredients come together so harmoniously, creating a savory explosion of flavors that will awaken your taste buds and garner compliments from even the pickiest eaters. The panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while the Parmesan offers a tangy depth that perfectly complements the sweet barbecue sauce. Get ready for some mouthwatering pleasures!
Timing
In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, finding ways to create delicious, hearty meals quickly is essential. These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are a perfect blend of indulgent flavors and quick preparation. In about 30 minutes, you can have these tasty morsels on your table, without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a slow and luxurious flavor infusion, consider simmering them in the sauce for an extra burst of tangy goodness when serving!
Step-by-Step
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. The heat will get your kitchen smelling incredible as the meatballs bake to perfection!
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Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. This will help avoid any sticky messes while also facilitating easy cleanup.
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In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed. The aroma of garlic and fresh parsley will dance around you, bringing flavors to life.
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Add the ground chicken and mix gently with a fork until all components are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender meatballs, not tough little nuggets.
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Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared pan.
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Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the mouthwatering scent of aromas that scream comfort.
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Brush the meatballs with the remaining barbecue sauce and return to the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately another 3-5 minutes.
The moment these BBQ Chicken Meatballs come out of the oven, you’ll witness golden-brown beauties just waiting to tease your senses. The steaming hot meatballs will glisten with their glossy glaze, making them all the more irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delectable BBQ Chicken Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories, making them a guilt-free option for an indulgent dish. You can relish these delights without worrying too much about your diet. An occasional indulgence is what life’s all about, right?
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider these substitutes:
- Use whole wheat panko for extra fiber.
- Replace standard BBQ sauce with a low-sugar variant.
- Opt for ground turkey if you prefer an even leaner option.
- For a dairy-free swap, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Making these simple adjustments can cater to dietary needs while still delivering that crave-worthy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these BBQ Chicken Meatballs as an appetizer at your next gathering, or elevate your weeknight dinners! They pair beautifully with:
- A side of creamy coleslaw for crunch.
- Rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Spaghetti for a twist on the classic Italian dish.
- On sliders for a fun tailgate treat.
- And if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the perfect sweet and savory combo!
Common Mistakes
To ensure that your BBQ Chicken Meatballs come out flawless, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the time to avoid dry meatballs that lose their juicy tenderness.
- Texture issues: Overmixing the meat can lead to tough meatballs—be gentle!
- Messes: Use parchment paper to simplify clean-up and prevent sticking.
Storing Tips
Got leftovers? These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store them correctly:
- Freezing portions: Once cooled, pack them into airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- For reheating, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry, but for that desirable crispy exterior, the oven is your best bet.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP
So, are you ready to elevate your dinner game with these BBQ Chicken Meatballs? With their mouthwatering depth of flavor and ease of preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re savoring the nostalgic taste or impressing guests at a gathering, it’s a recipe that embodies the warmth and joy of home cooking. Don’t wait—grab those ingredients and let the cooking adventure begin!
FAQs
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Can I make BBQ Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake them ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until needed. -
What type of ground chicken should I use?
Use ground chicken breast for a leaner option or a combination of breast and thigh for extra moisture. -
Can I use a grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely! Grill the meatballs over medium heat, turning them regularly for even cooking. -
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. -
Are there any creative ways to use leftovers?
Absolutely! Chop them up and toss them into a salad, or mix them into pasta for a quick lunch option.
BBQ Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy, tender BBQ Chicken Meatballs dripping with barbecue glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add ground chicken and mix gently with a fork until fully incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture into meatballs and place on the prepared pan.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Brush with the remaining barbecue sauce and bake until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately another 3-5 minutes.
Notes
Freezing portions is a great way to store leftovers. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
