Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs are not just a meal, they're a sensation that combines the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs glazed in a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend kitchen warrior, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that promises to impress and delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and become nicely browned.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, diced bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once the mixture is combined, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been shaped into meatballs. You should have approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one meatball in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet and sour sauce and pineapple chunks. Heat over medium heat until the sauce is warmed through and the pineapple is slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired. These meatballs can be served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Use fresh ground chicken and don't overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniformly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a light cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce Hack: For extra flavor, let the meatballs sit in the sweet and sour sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb maximum taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 241kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 17g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
