Description
Spicy Chicken Meatballs featuring lean ground chicken blended with aromatic herbs and bold spices to deliver tender, juicy meatballs with a perfect spicy kick. Easy to prepare and versatile for weeknight dinners or entertaining, these meatballs offer a flavorful, healthier alternative that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley/basil as an herb swap)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, red chili flakes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop out the mixture using a spoon or your hands and roll into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides and cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve or Simmer in Sauce: Once cooked, serve immediately or simmer the meatballs in your favorite sauce such as tomato, spicy peanut, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Do not overwork the mixture; mix just until combined for tender meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Roll meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Let meatballs rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Adjust chili flakes and smoked paprika quantities to your preferred heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg