If you’re on the hunt for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss, look no further than this Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken meatballs kissed with the smoky sweetness of honey barbecue sauce, boasting just the right balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. Whether you serve these as a mouthwatering appetizer or as a hearty main dish, you’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “pass the napkins!” This recipe is kid-friendly, grownup-approved, and ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe was picked for a reason: simplicity and maximum flavor. The foundation is basic, but each element — from the spices to the honey — adds its own magic for classic taste, tender texture, and irresistible color.
- Ground Chicken: The star of the show, giving a tender, lean base to the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs juicy and help absorb all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and lovely umami note.
- Large Egg: An essential binder so your meatballs hold together perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: Packs each bite with aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder: Gives a sweet, delicate background flavor for balance.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness that elevates the chicken and compliments the barbecue sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A must for enhancing every other flavor in the mixture.
- Olive Oil (for cooking): Brings a hint of richness while helping the meatballs brown beautifully in the oven.
- Barbecue Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, it should be thick, tangy, and your personal favorite.
- Honey: For that glossy, sticky-sweet finish everyone craves in a great honey barbeque sauce.
How to Make Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only speeds up cleanup but also ensures your meatballs bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use clean hands — it’s the easiest way to gently bring everything together. Mix just until combined so your meatballs stay light and tender.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls with your hands. Place each meatball on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them. Pop them in the oven for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through. You’ll catch those delightful savory aromas wafting from your kitchen in no time.
Step 4: Make the Honey Barbeque Sauce
While your meatballs bake, combine the barbecue sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it warm for about 3–4 minutes, just until everything unites into a shiny, slightly thickened sauce that’s ready to cling to your meatballs.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
As soon as the meatballs are ready, transfer them to a heatproof bowl. Pour over your warm honey barbeque sauce and gently toss to coat every nook and cranny. Serve immediately — toothpicks for appetizers, or over fluffy rice or velvety mashed potatoes for a meal that comforts and delights.
How to Serve Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Give your meatballs the finishing touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for freshness, a dusting of extra Parmesan for richness, or a few red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick. A little extra drizzle of honey on top can make them sparkle and shine when served.
Side Dishes
These meatballs adore classic sides — think creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles for a cozy plate. For something lighter, serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a game-day spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spear each meatball with a toothpick and arrange on a platter with a tiny bowl of extra honey barbecue sauce for dunking. They’re also fantastic layered on toasted slider buns with a bit of slaw or tucked into a sub roll for an irresistible sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled meatballs (already coated in sauce or plain) in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’ll keep their flavor and moisture, making them perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
The Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Freeze the baked (but not yet sauced) meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Sauce can be frozen separately if you wish.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the meatballs at 350°F for 10–12 minutes from thawed (or 18–20 minutes from frozen), or microwave in short bursts until hot. Warm up the sauce on the stovetop or mix with the meatballs before heating to keep them perfectly juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a similar lean, juicy result. Just make sure it’s not too lean (93 percent is ideal) so your meatballs stay moist and tender.
How can I make the Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe spicier?
For those who crave more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the meatball mixture, and try a spicy-style barbecue sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for extra zing.
Is it possible to prepare the meatballs in advance?
Definitely! You can shape the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them until baking, or even bake them first, then reheat and toss with sauce when ready to serve. It makes entertaining so much easier!
What kind of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
Pick your favorite! A smoky, tangy sauce with good body is ideal. Both store-bought and homemade sauces work well. For extra depth, try one with a touch of chipotle or bourbon.
Can I make the Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe gluten free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your barbecue sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe truly has it all: big flavor, easy prep, and pure comfort. Try making it for your next party or family dinner, and you’ll see how quickly everyone comes back for seconds. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple at your table!
Print
Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Barbeque Chicken Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal appetizer or main dish. Tender chicken meatballs are coated in a sticky honey barbecue sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Barbeque Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat barbecue sauce and honey until warm and slightly thickened.
- Coat the Meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the honey barbecue sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice for a meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- These meatballs freeze well for future use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
