If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts bold and saucy, this Firecracker Meatballs recipe is for you! Juicy baked chicken meatballs are tossed in a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce that packs a true flavor punch. Serve the meatballs over rice with your favorite toppings for a true crowd pleaser!
Kelley’s Tips
Before You Get Started
- Grab that cookie scoop! Portioning the meatballs with a cookie scoop is the best shortcut! It’s so easy and it keeps the meatballs uniform in size so they cook more evenly.
- Don’t overmix. Gently mix the meatball mixture until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough rather than tender.
- Double the sauce. This recipe already makes a bit of extra sauce, but if you’re planning to serve these meatballs over rice or with veggies, having a little more sauce for drizzling on top never hurts!
- Tame the heat. If the buffalo sauce feels too spicy to you, swap half of it for ketchup for a milder but still flavorful glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Chicken: I love using ground chicken for these meatballs because it makes them tender and light, while still soaking up all that mouthwatering firecracker sauce.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives the meatballs a light and crispy texture without making them dense.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory flavor. Using low sodium soy sauce prevents the dish from being too salty.
- Eggs: Holds everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart when baking.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture.
- Garlic: Gives the meatballs that irresistible savory kick!
Firecracker Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the sauce! It gives the sauce its signature spicy tanginess.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the heat by adding a touch of sweetness.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Ties everything together with a savory, umami flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce so it doesn’t feel too heavy.
For Serving
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you want an extra punch of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes right before serving.
- Green Onions: Adds a nice pop of color and flavor.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Just like what you’d serve with buffalo wings! The cheese adds a nice creamy tang.
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch is always the perfect compliment to spicy food. It cools down the heat and makes the dish even more tasty.
How to Make Firecracker Meatballs
- Make meatball mixture: In a large bowl combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, eggs, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix to combine then portion into meatballs. I got about 32 meatballs.
- Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on the outside.
- Toss cooked meatballs in the firecracker sauce. (There will be extra sauce for pouring over rice!)
- Top and serve: Top with any of the desired toppings and serve with rice and a veggie to make a meal. You could also serve as an appetizer with wooden skewers. This also is great for meal prep!
- Firecracker Sauce: Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat or until all of the sugar is dissolved.
Want to make this recipe even easier? Make my Slow Cooker Firecracker Meatballs instead! Simply brown the meatballs, throw in the crockpot and let them cook for a couple hours!
More Chicken Meatball Recipes to Try
- Butter Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
- Asian Chicken Meatballs
- Thai Red Curry Chicken Meatballs
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Recipe
Firecracker Meatballs
If you're looking for a dinner that's equal parts bold and saucy, this Firecracker Meatballs recipe is for you! Juicy baked chicken meatballs are tossed in a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce that packs a true flavor punch. Serve the meatballs over rice with your favorite toppings for a true crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
Firecracker Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving
- crushed red pepper flakes, if desired
- green onions, if desired
- blue cheese crumbles, if desired
- ranch dressing, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a baking sheet with olive oil, set aside.In a large bowl combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, eggs, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix to combine then portion into meatballs. I got about 32 meatballs.
- Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on the outside.
- Toss cooked meatballs in the firecracker sauce. (There will be extra sauce for pouring over rice!)
- Top with any of the desired topping and serve with rice and a veggie to make a meal. You could also serve as an appetizer with wooden skewers. This also is great for meal prep!
Firecracker Sauce
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat or until all of the sugar is dissolved.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 278mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 17IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.4mg
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