Description

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are a spicy, sweet, and tangy appetizer or main dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a flavorful homemade hot sauce. These meatballs deliver a perfect balance of heat from hot sauce and red pepper flakes with the sweetness of brown sugar, finished with a touch of apple cider vinegar for tang. They are quick to prepare, baked in the oven, and perfect for parties or a tasty family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

2 pounds ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

1/2 cup hot sauce
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Red pepper flakes, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, eggs, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Shape the mixture into 22 meatballs, each approximately 3 tablespoons in size.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the hot sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool; the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Bake meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheets and bake for about 12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Coat and finish baking: Dip each cooked meatball individually into the cooled sauce, then place them back onto the baking sheet. Bake the sauced meatballs for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to set the glaze. Finally, drizzle or brush with extra sauce and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or beef for chicken if preferred.
For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of hot sauce and omit red pepper flakes.
Using light brown sugar balances heat with sweetness but can be adjusted to taste.
Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender; plain breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
These meatballs can be served as appetizers, with rice, or in a sandwich or sub.