Bbq Chicken Meatballs

Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs

These juicy and flavorful meatballs are perfect for a summer cookout or a casual weeknight meal. The sticky BBQ sauce makes them irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken (lean or dark meat, your preference)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts for garnish)
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, garlic, scallions, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You can use a cookie scoop for even sizing.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
5. Simmer the Meatballs: Add the cooked meatballs to the BBQ sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and sticky.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (optional, like ranch or blue cheese).

Tips:

• For extra flavor: Add a grated shallot or finely chopped red onion to the meatball mixture.
• Moisturize the Meatballs: If you find the mixture too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or broth.
• Bake instead of pan-frying: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Brush with the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of baking for extra flavor.
• Freeze the Meatballs: Form the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Level up the BBQ Sauce: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the BBQ sauce for a little kick.
• Healthy Options: Use ground turkey or chicken breast for a leaner option. You can also substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.