Go Back
–+ servings
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Spicy Firecracker Chicken Meatballs for Easy Weeknight Dinners

These Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are a flavor explosion, baked for a healthier twist, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken can substitute with ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs regular breadcrumbs can be used
  • 1 large Egg or substitute with flax egg for vegan
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika or use smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder can substitute with fresh chopped onions
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or use fresh minced garlic
  • to taste Salt & Pepper adjust seasoning for flavor
For the Firecracker Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Hot Sauce e.g., Frank's, or Sriracha
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar or substitute with honey
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar white vinegar can work too
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for milder flavor

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into meatballs about 3 tablespoons each and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake meatballs for 11-13 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. While meatballs bake, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce simmers.
  5. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until evenly coated. Reserve some sauce for drizzling when serving.
  6. Serve warm, over rice or alongside a salad, drizzled with reserved sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Gently mix ingredients to keep meatballs tender. Adjust the spice level for milder versions if needed. You can make the meatball mixture a day ahead to enhance the flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!