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Home ยป Appetizers

Spicy Chicken Meatballs | Firecracker Meatballs

Published: by ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 2 Comments

Last updated on March 5th, 2021 at 09:10 am

Spicy Chicken Meatballs aka Firecracker meatballs recipe with step-by-step instructions. These spicy and sweet twice-baked chicken meatballs are super easy to make and tastes delicious as an appetizer or in a meal!

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spicy chicken meatballs, firecracker meatballs

There's something about ground meat that makes its many people's favorite. I for one love meatballs, I can never point to one reason, but I just love them. Meatballs from all the cuisines are my favorites so it is safe to assume that you'll be seeing more and more meatball recipes here on my blog.

If you're interested in other ground chicken recipes check out this Chicken Seekh Kebab recipe or this extremely easy Chicken and Cheese Fritters.

Spicy Chicken Meatballs aka Firecracker Meatballs:

I have been in love with these firecracker meatballs for over a year now. After a few changes to the recipe, I thought I have arrived at the perfect recipe with the right balance of sweetness and spiciness; one that which is worthy to be called firecracker chicken meatballs of course lol.

I like meatballs in general, always have. These days I'm mostly running around and cooking; sometimes it feels like I am cooking all the time. I like to keep something stored in the deep freezer for a sudden unplanned lunch. Comes in real handy when I'm super tired to cook.

See Also:

Classic Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs recipe

These spicy chicken meatballs are one of those things I like to make ahead and keep it in the freezer. Once the meatballs are made, all you have to do is thaw them overnight. make the sauce and it is ready for appetizers or a meal.

What goes into this:

You just have to make the chicken meatballs and bake them. Then make the sauce, top it on the meatballs and bake them again. It is very easy and it needs only a few ingredients that mostly available in your pantry.

spicy firecracker sauce

The meatballs are also full of flavor which makes it not completely dependant on the firecracker sauce. Simple spices like paprika, pepper powder, onion powder, and ginger garlic powder go into the meatballs. The paprika and pepper powder gives the meatballs some heat. The onion powder and ginger garlic powder adds amazing flavor to it. If you don't have ginger garlic powder you can use garlic powder in place.

Next comes the binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. One medium egg is enough for these meatballs. I use fresh bread slices to make breadcrumbs, I feel it keep the meatballs soft. You can use readymade breadcrumbs but make sure not to use toasted ones.

See also:

Instant Pot Mushroom Rice recipe

Finally, the cheese and green onions go in. Green onions add some freshness and herbiness to the meatballs. I like the flavor of it in these spicy chicken meatballs. The same goes for cheese as well, they add a twist to these firecracker meatballs. I like to use mild cheddar but you can use mozzarella or parmesan here.

Sriracha sauce is the star here. Of course, you can use any hot sauce you like. It'll add spiciness to the sauce. When it comes to sweetness, brown sugar is the bomb. It is perfect for that sticky sweet texture.

What to serve with spicy chicken meatballs:

Since these firecracker meatballs are a spicy deal, pair it up with mildly spicy dishes like:

  • Baked Beans
  • Alfredo pasta
  • Pan-fried gnocchi
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Plain cooked white rice
  • Cooked millets (for a healthier choice)
firecracker chicken meatballs close up photo

Nutrition in these firecracker meatballs:

These spicy chicken meatballs have about 52 calories, 2.6g carbs, 3.9g of protein, and 2.8g of fat in one single meatball. If you lessen the sugar, even more, you can cut down the carbs from sweet even more. Stopping with 5 meatballs if up to you, lol.

Storing instructions:

These firecracker meatballs / spicy meatballs are best when served immediately or on the same day. You can store cooked meatballs with the sauce in the refrigerator for a few hours and heat it up in the microwave.

See also:

The BEST Pizza Sauce recipe

But I make and store the uncooked meatballs in the freezer. Store them in an airtight container and it will stay good for up to a month. Thaw it overnight and bake. Whenever you want to make these spicy chicken meatballs all you have to do is make the sauce and bake them.

Variations substitutions:

Instead of chicken, you can make these firecracker meatballs with turkey meat or mutton or pork.

For low carb or keto versions, you can skip the sugar altogether or use stevia to sweeten it. Also instead of breadcrumbs, you can use coconut flour.

How to make these meatballs:

Let's move on to making these delicious spicy chicken meatballs/firecracker meatballs. Here are the ingredients that you'll need to make these meatballs:

Chicken Meatballs:

  • 500 g Ground Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast
  • 2 tsp Ginger Garlic Powder , or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp 
  • Paprika Powder - 1 tsp 
  • Salt - 1 tsp 
  • 1 medium Egg , beaten
  • ยพ cup Breadcrumbs
  • ยฝ cup Cheddar cheese , mild
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions , chopped
how to make sweet and spicy chicken meatballs step - by step pictures

Sauce:

  • ยผ cup Sriracha Sauce
  • โ…› cup Brown Sugar
  • ยผ tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Chilli Flakes

Making the chicken meatballs:

  • Mix together the ground chicken, onion powder, ginger garlic powder, black pepper powder, paprika powder and salt.
  • Then add the beaten egg and mix it thoroughly. Followed by that, add the breadcrumbs and mix it through.
  • Next add the cheddar cheese and the green onions and mix it one last time.
baking meatballs step by step pics
  • Divide and form 25-30 meatballs out of it. Place them in an airtight container and chill it for an hour minimum.
  • Preheat the oven at 200 c / 400 F for 20 minutes. Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray brushed with oil. Brush the meatballs with some oil as well. Bake them for 20 minutes.

Making the sauce:

  • While the chicken meatballs are baking, let's make the sauce. Place a cast-iron skillet on heat and add the sriracha sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Mix it and simmer it until it begins to thicken.
  • Add the chili flakes and simmer for a few more minutes. Remove the pan from heat and leave the sauce in the pan to keep it warm.
  • Once the oven timer goes off, remove the baking tray from the oven and generously brush the prepared sauce on all of the meatballs; both over and on the sides.
  • Place the tray back inside the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the meatballs once more with the remaining sauce if you prefer or 
  • Finally, serve it hot with the sauce on the side!
making of sweet and spicy sauce in steps

Notes...:

  • Chicken: You can use only chicken thighs or only breast or a mix of chicken meat.
  • Meat: You can follow the same steps and make this with lamb or pork.
  • Ginger garlic powder: This powder adds a nice flavor to the meatballs. If you don't have it, you can use just garlic powder in its place. Or if you have some ginger garlic paste, you can 2 teaspoon of that instead.
  • Breadcrumbs: You may need up to 1 cup of breadcrumbs. This depends on the type of meat you're using and the type of breadcrumbs. But try not to add any more than that.
  • Cheese: I like to use mild cheddar cheese for these meatballs. Adds a great flavor and love them melting out of the meatballs as they bake. You can skip or substitute this with sharp cheddar or mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
  • Mixing: You can either use a spatula (which is not very easy) or use your hands (which may burn your skin and is a bit messy) to mix the ingredients with the chicken meat. The easiest way to get it thoroughly mixed is to use a stand mixer.
...continued:
  • Sriracha Sauce: If you want it spicier, use ยฝ of sriracha. If you want it really REALLY hot, you can up the sriracha sauce to ยพ cup or more (unfamiliar zone for me, lol). 
  • Sweetness: If you want the sweetness to stand out more than the hotness, you can use ยผ cup of brown sugar. I find it way too sweet when I use that but I still do use that much sometimes like when I am entertaining.
  • Storing: If you wish to store it for later, mix the meatballs with the spices and when you put it in the refrigerator for chilling, you can store it in the freezer instead; stays good for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator the day before you want to cook it.
  • Sauce: The sauce tends to thicken up as it cools down so stop simmering when it begins to thicken. 
  • Dipping: This recipe will give you sauce enough to brush over the meatballs about two teaspoons of sauce. Mix some sriracha with it to serve. If you want more of it for dipping double the sauce ingredients.
sweet and spicy chicken meatballs, spicy chicken meatballs

More appetizers you might like:

Vegetarian Falafel recipe

Chicken Dumplings recipe (restaurant-style)

VEGAN Banana Blossom fritters recipe

Corn Cheese Balls recipe

spicy chicken meatballs | firecracker meatballs
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4 from 1 vote

Spicy Chicken Meatballs | Firecracker Meatballs

Spicy Chicken Meatballs aka Firecracker meatballs recipe with step-by-step instructions. These spicy and sweet twice-baked chicken meatballs are super easy to make and tastes delicious as an appetizer or in a meal!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Chilling Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Dinners
Cuisine: All
Keyword: chicken, ground chicken, Meatballs, spicy, sweet
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 52kcal
Author: Niveditha
Rate/ Comment on this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast , ground
  • 2 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Powder , or garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 medium Egg , beaten
  • ยพ cup Breadcrumbs
  • ยฝ cup Cheddar cheese , mild
  • 2 tablespoon Green Onions , chopped

For the Spicy sauce:

  • ยผ cup Sriracha Sauce
  • โ…› cup Brown Sugar
  • ยผ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Chilli Flakes

Instructions

  • Mix together the ground chicken, onion powder, ginger garlic powder, black pepper powder, paprika powder and salt.
  • Then add the beaten egg and mix it thoroughly. Followed by that, add the breadcrumbs and mix it through.
  • Next add the cheddar cheese and the green onions and mix it one last time.
  • Divide and form 25-30 meatballs out of it. Place them in an airtight container and chill it for an hour minimum.
  • Preheat the oven at 200 c / 400 F for 20 minutes. Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray brushed with oil. Brush the meatballs with some oil as well. Bake them for 20 minutes.
  • While the chicken meatballs are baking, lets make the sauce. Place a cast iron skillet on heat and add the sriracha sauce, brown sugar and salt. Mix it and simmer it until it begins to thicken.
  • Add the chilli flakes and simmer for a few more minutes. Remove the pan from heat and leave the sauce in the pan to keep it warm.
  • Once the oven timer goes off, remove the baking tray from the oven and generously brush the prepared sauce on all of the meatballs; both over and on the sides.
  • Place the tray back inside the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the meatballs once more with the remaining sauce if you prefer or serve it hot with the sauce on the side!
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Chicken Meatballs | Firecracker Meatballs
Amount Per Serving (1 meatball)
Calories 52 Calories from Fat 25
% Daily Value*
Fat 2.8g4%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 19.7mg7%
Sodium 122.6mg5%
Potassium 31.9mg1%
Carbohydrates 2.6g1%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 1.2g1%
Protein 3.9g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

  • This recipe makes 25 - 30 meatballs; the nutrition details are calculated for 25 meatballs.
  • Chicken: You can use only chicken thighs or only breast or a mix of chicken meat.
  • Meat: You can follow the same steps and make this with lamb or pork.
  • Ginger garlic powder: This powder adds a nice flavor to the meatballs. If you don't have it, you can use just garlic powder in its place. Or if you have some ginger garlic paste, you can 2 teaspoon of that instead.
  • Breadcrumbs: You may need up to 1 cup of breadcrumbs. This depends on the type of meat you're using and the type of breadcrumbs. But try not to add any more than that.
  • Cheese: I like to use mild cheddar cheese for these meatballs. Adds a great flavor and love them melting out of the meatballs as they bake. You can skip or substitute this with sharp cheddar or mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
  • Mixing: You can either use a spatula (which is not very easy) or use your hands (which may burn your skin and is a bit messy) to mix the ingredients with the chicken meat. The easiest way to get it thoroughly mixed is to use a stand mixer.
  • Sriracha Sauce: If you want it spicier, use ยฝ of sriracha. If you want it really REALLY hot, you can up the sriracha sauce to ยพ cup or more (unfamiliar zone for me, lol).ย 
  • Sweetness: If you want the sweetness to stand out more than the hotness, you can use ยผ cup of brown sugar. I find it way too sweet when I use that but I still do use that much sometimes like when I am entertaining.
  • Storing: If you wish to store it for later, mix the meatballs with the spices and when you put it in the refrigerator for chilling, you can store it in the freezer instead; stays good for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator the day before you want to cook it.
  • Sauce: The sauce tends to thicken up as it cools down so stop simmering when it begins to thicken.ย This recipe will give you sauce enough to brush over the meatballs about two teaspoons of sauce. Mix some sriracha with it to serve. If you want more of it for dipping double the sauce ingredients.
Tried this recipe?Please rate it above! Also comment below to let me know your thoughts! ๐Ÿ™‚

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Comments

  1. Lorri says

    December 29, 2021 at 2:04 am

    4 stars
    I made with ground turke.y. You need to spray the baking sheet. I like spicy but I had to use way more brown sugar than recommended and it was still super spicy but good.

    Reply
    • admingingerskillet says

      February 23, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you for letting me know! ๐Ÿ™‚ So glad you liked it.

      Reply
4 from 1 vote

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Niveditha Sanjeev blogger at www.gingerskillet.com

Hey I'm Niveditha!

I'm a food blogger, food photographer, and self-taught baker based in Tamil Nadu, India. I created this blog to share easy and simple recipes that homecook can enjoy. I hope you find your new favorite recipe here. I'd love to connect with you if you have any doubts!

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