Craving something bold, spicy, and satisfying? These Firecracker Chicken Meatballs deliver juicy chicken bites coated in a sweet, fiery glaze. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, meal prep protein, or a weeknight dinner, these meatballs strike the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate comfort food with a kick.
What Are Firecracker Chicken Meatballs?
Unlike traditional Italian meatballs, Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are:
- Made with lean ground chicken for a healthier option
- Rolled into bite-sized portions and baked (or air-fried)
- Glazed with a sweet-spicy firecracker sauce made from hot sauce, brown sugar, and garlic
This dish has become a favorite on food blogs because it’s high-protein, customizable, and family-friendly (heat can be adjusted).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Firecracker Sauce:
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Roll into 18–20 small meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
2: Bake or Air Fry
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Or air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4: Glaze the Meatballs
- Toss baked meatballs in the firecracker sauce until coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs are versatile and can be served as:
- Appetizer – With toothpicks at parties
- Dinner – Over rice, noodles, or quinoa
- Meal Prep – Packed with roasted veggies for lunch
- Snack – On lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy → Ready in 30 minutes
- Healthier than beef meatballs → Lean protein, baked not fried
- Adjustable spice → Make it mild or fiery hot
- Crowd-pleaser → Perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners
💡 Pro tip: Double the sauce recipe if you love extra glaze—it’s that good!
Conclusion
These Firecracker Chicken Meatballs combine the best of both worlds—juicy, tender chicken meatballs with a bold, sweet-heat glaze. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
