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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green) The main ingredients for sweet and sour chicken meatballs are simple yet flavorful. Ground chicken forms the base. It’s lean and cooks well. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty taste. The egg helps bind everything together. You’ll also need minced garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Pineapple chunks bring sweetness, and diced bell peppers add crunch and color. - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening) The sauce ingredients are key to making this dish shine. Soy sauce adds umami, while honey balances with sweetness. Apple cider vinegar gives a little tang. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. This mixture helps create a smooth texture that coats the meatballs perfectly. - Garlic, salt, and pepper For seasoning, stick with garlic, salt, and pepper. These basics elevate the dish without overwhelming it. The garlic blends well with the meatballs and sauce. Salt enhances flavors, while pepper adds a gentle kick. Together, they make every bite delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground chicken, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it's well combined. Now it's time to shape the meatballs. Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and lightly browned when done. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add the cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir it for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens nicely. In a large skillet, add 1 cup of pineapple chunks and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top and stir well. Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the meatballs in sauce. Heat for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy these tasty meatballs! To make great meatballs, moisture is key. Ground chicken can be dry, so add a binding agent. Breadcrumbs and an egg help keep them moist. Mix well, but don't overwork the meat. A gentle touch keeps them tender. - Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. - Mix until just combined for even texture. For extra flavor, consider adding spices. Ginger and black pepper can boost taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add brightness. You can use fresh or canned ingredients for the sauce. Fresh pineapple brings a vibrant taste, while canned is convenient. - Try fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - Use fresh herbs for a lift in flavor. Sweet and sour chicken meatballs are great on their own, but you can enhance your meal. Serve them over rice or noodles for a filling dish. Steamed broccoli or snap peas make a colorful side. For presentation, garnish with chopped green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and flair. - Pair with steamed rice or noodles. - Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and bell peppers will enhance the flavor of your meatballs and sauce, making the dish more vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can make the meatballs tough; mix just until combined. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the honey slightly. Serve with Rice: These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious sweet and sour sauce! {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken with turkey or lean beef. Both work well in this dish. If you want a plant-based option, try using ground mushrooms or lentils. These choices will still give you a tasty meatball without the meat. You can change the sweet and sour sauce easily. If you prefer a tangy twist, add orange juice instead of apple cider vinegar. For a kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey or even some brown sugar. You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Baking is great for a crispy outside. If you prefer, you can also cook them on the stovetop. Just brown them in a skillet first. For a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker. Mix the meatballs and sauce together, set it, and let it cook for a few hours. This method makes the meatballs very tender and full of flavor. To store your leftover sweet and sour chicken meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, think about freezing them. For freezing, you can freeze both meatballs and sauce. Make sure to let them cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also run the bag under cold water for a quicker thaw. To reheat your meatballs, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15 minutes until hot. You can also use the microwave, but it can make them a bit soggy. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty meatballs again! Making Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs takes about 45 minutes. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is around 20-25 minutes in the oven. This recipe serves four people. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately. Store the meatballs in the fridge for up to two days. You can freeze them for later use as well. Just remember to cool them first. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some popular options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh salad These sides complement the sweet and sour flavors perfectly. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use plant-based ground meat or chickpeas instead of chicken. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Just keep the same sauce for the sweet and sour taste. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! This article covered how to make sweet and sour chicken meatballs from scratch. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for great flavor and texture. Remember, you can customize the recipe with various ingredients and cooking methods. Whether you’re storing leftovers or thinking ahead for meal prep, these tips will help you enjoy these tasty meatballs anytime. Experiment with variations and serving ideas to suit your taste. Now, it’s time to try the recipe and enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce with pineapple and bell peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 unit egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 0.5 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
  • 2 unit green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch mixture over medium heat. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • In a large skillet, add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over them, stirring to combine.
  • When the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the sauce and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, meatballs, sweet and sour