Tangy Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Zesty Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe: Flavor-Packed Bites!

Succulent and packed with vibrant flavors, these tangy Asian chicken meatballs dance with an irresistible blend of spices that will awaken your taste buds.

Our carefully crafted tangy Asian chicken meatballs recipe brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your kitchen.

Each tender morsel bursts with a harmonious mix of savory and zesty notes that promise to delight every palate.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that infuse deep, complex flavors into every bite.

Lean ground chicken serves as the perfect canvas for this culinary masterpiece, absorbing marinades and seasonings like a flavor sponge.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared, these meatballs offer a delicious twist on traditional protein dishes.

You’ll find yourself craving these delectable morsels that transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Ingredients That Build Great Asian Chicken Meatballs

For Meatball Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates tender, juicy meatballs with a light texture.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds crispy structure and helps bind ingredients without weighing down the mixture.
  • Egg: Provides moisture and acts as a natural binding agent for cohesive meatballs.
  • Green Onions: Introduces fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color.
  • Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
  • Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertones characteristic of Asian cuisine.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and balances the meatball flavors.
For Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Creates umami-rich base with deep, salty complexity.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and balances rich flavors.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, authentic Asian-inspired essence.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures smooth, glossy sauce with perfect thickening consistency.
For Garnish and Serving:
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds delicate crunch and nutty visual appeal.
  • Green Onions: Offers fresh, crisp finishing touch with mild onion flavor.

Asian Chicken Meatballs – Kitchen Tools to Have Ready

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Essential for even baking of meatballs.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for precise ingredient quantities.
  • Small saucepan: Used for preparing the flavorful Asian-style sauce.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform meatball sizes.
  • Cutting board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing garnishes.

Roll & Cook Asian Chicken Meatballs With This Guide

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Mix and Shape Meaty Goodness

Dive into a mixing bowl and blend chicken with all your zesty ingredients. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls – aim for about a dozen delightful spheres. Place them neatly on your prepared baking sheet.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and let those meatballs sizzle for 15-18 minutes. They’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165F.

  • Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

While the meatballs are cooking, create a magical sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a small pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and thicken with a quick cornstarch swirl.

  • Sauce and Coat

Transfer your freshly baked meatballs to a large bowl and drench them in the glossy, aromatic sauce. Gently toss until every morsel is beautifully coated.

  • Serve and Devour

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion slices. Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice or tangy noodles, and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Bold Twists for Asian Chicken Meatballs Flavor

  • Perfect Meatball Texture: Wet your hands with cold water before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal prep.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey or lean ground pork for a different protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor.

Serve Asian Chicken Meatballs with Dipping Options

  • Flavor-Packed Plating: Serve these meatballs over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
  • Appetizer Adventure: Arrange meatballs on toothpicks with extra sauce drizzled on top for an irresistible party snack that'll wow guests.
  • Noodle Bowl Delight: Toss the glazed meatballs into a warm bowl of udon or rice noodles, topped with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for added crunch and texture.
  • Veggie Companion: Pair the meatballs with quick-pickled cucumber slices or a crisp Asian-style slaw to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a refreshing element to the dish.

Storing Asian Chicken Meatballs for Later Meals

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which helps develop richer flavors and saves valuable cooking time.
  • Refrigeration Reserve: Cooked meatballs stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed in a container with a tight-fitting lid, making quick lunches and dinners a breeze for busy households.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Fully cooked Asian chicken meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or place in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet with a splash of sauce or microwave at 50% power to maintain moisture and prevent toughening the meat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tangy Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Tangy Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory asian chicken meatballs blend aromatic spices with tender ground chicken for a delightful culinary experience. Garlic, ginger, and scallions elevate these succulent bites, promising a delicious journey you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsps water
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease coating.
  2. Meatball Formation: Thoroughly blend all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration and consistent texture. Craft uniform spherical meatballs using tablespoon-sized portions, rolling gently between palms to create compact orbs.
  3. Roasting Process: Position meatballs on prepared baking sheet with strategic spacing. Roast for 15-18 minutes, achieving golden-brown exterior and confirming internal temperature reaches 165F.
  4. Glaze Creation: Simultaneously develop sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and crushed garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Introduce cornstarch slurry to transform mixture into glossy, thickened coating through continuous stirring.
  5. Finishing Touches: Transfer baked meatballs to large mixing bowl and delicately cascade aromatic sauce over them, gently tumbling to ensure complete coverage. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for visual and flavor enhancement.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside steamed rice, rice noodles, or as an elegant appetizer, inviting guests to savor the complex Asian-inspired flavors.

Notes

  • Meat Moisture Management: Use a gentle hand when mixing ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs; overmixing can lead to compact, rubbery textures.
  • Temperature Precision: Invest in a meat thermometer to accurately check internal chicken temperature, ensuring food safety without overcooking.
  • Glaze Consistency Control: Whisk cornstarch slurry smoothly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to meatballs.
  • Flavor Customization: Experiment with protein alternatives like ground turkey or tofu for dietary adaptations while maintaining the recipe’s authentic Asian flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 323
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star