Go Back

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Meatballs:
  • 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey
  • 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Firecracker Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (recommended: Franks Red Hot)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
For serving (optional):
  • Green leaf lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
For the Meatballs:
  1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix with your hands, until well combined.
  2. Scoop mixture into 2-Tablespoon-sized balls, shaping with your hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are completely cooked.
For the Firecracker Sauce:
  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Let sauce cool slightly (it will thicken as it cools).
  2. Dip each individual meatball into sauce, and place on a baking sheet or wire rack. Or, brush meatballs with the sauce. Serve warm as-is, or as lettuce wraps.
  3. Enjoy!