Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Quick and flavorful Spicy Chicken Meatballs combine lean ground chicken with bold spices for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or snack, these meatballs deliver a balanced heat and juicy texture with a crispy golden crust, adaptable to various dietary preferences.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, red chili flakes, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray, keeping them evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs without crowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides until the meatballs are cooked through and have a golden crust.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness before serving hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use a Thermometer: Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Browning Matters: Get a nice sear on each side for flavor and texture before finishing cooking through.
- Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the shaped meatballs for 15 minutes to help them hold together better.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Taste test the raw mixture by frying a small piece first to tweak seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 140g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: spicy chicken meatballs, quick meatballs, chicken appetizer, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, easy dinner, weeknight meal