Best Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Asian cuisine is known for its bold, balanced flavors—sweet, savory, spicy, and umami all coming together in perfect harmony. One dish that captures this essence in every bite is Asian Chicken Meatballs. These juicy, tender meatballs are easy to make and pack a serious flavor punch thanks to garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and more. They’re perfect for appetizers, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping.

🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

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• Baking sheet or skillet

• Parchment paper (if baking)

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• Saucepan (for the glaze)

• Whisk

• Tongs or spatula

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

If you’re baking the meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground chicken

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Green onions

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Hoisin sauce

• Sriracha (optional)

• Salt and pepper

Mix just until combined—do not overmix or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

• Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

• You should get around 20–24 meatballs.

• Place them on your prepared baking sheet or a plate if you’re pan-frying.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Option A: Bake

• Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Option B: Pan-fry

• Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add meatballs in batches, turning to brown on all sides (about 8–10 minutes total).

• Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Glaze

• While meatballs cook, combine all sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry) in a small saucepan.

• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Toss & Glaze

• Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a clean bowl.

• Pour the glaze over and gently toss to coat evenly.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

🥢 Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are some favorite ways to enjoy them:

• With rice or noodles: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or soba noodles.

• In lettuce wraps: Use butter lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and extra sauce.

• As an appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce on the side.

• Meal prep bowls: Add to a meal-prep container with steamed broccoli, rice, and extra sauce.

🌟 Variations and Substitutions

Want to tweak it up? Here are some ideas:

Protein Options

• Ground turkey: A leaner option with a similar texture.

• Ground pork: For a richer, juicier version.

• Plant-based meat: Use a chicken-style meatless ground for a vegetarian twist.

Sauce Variations

• Peanut glaze: Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and sriracha for a Thai-inspired version.

• Teriyaki-style: Add pineapple juice and a splash of mirin for a sweeter touch.

• Korean twist: Use gochujang, honey, and soy sauce for a bold, spicy kick.

Add-Ins

• Finely grated carrot or zucchini for moisture and nutrition.

• Chopped cilantro for freshness.

• A dash of five-spice powder for complexity.

🔪 Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs

1. Don’t overmix the meat. Gentle mixing keeps them tender.

2. Use a scoop for even sizing—ensures even cooking.

3. Test one first. Cook a small patty to test seasoning before making the whole batch.

4. Rest before tossing in sauce. Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes to help them soak up the glaze better.

5. Double the batch. Freeze extras and reheat in sauce for a quick meal later.

🧊 Storage and Meal Prep

These meatballs store beautifully!

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

• To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water and sauce until heated through.

🎉 Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

• Kid-friendly: Sweet, savory, and not too spicy.

• Crowd-pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or game night.

• Flexible: Easy to adapt with pantry staples.

• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing.

🍷 Drink Pairings

Depending on how you serve them, here are some great drinks to go with:

• White wine: Riesling or Gewürztraminer complement the sweet-savory glaze.

• Beer: Crisp lagers or light IPAs cut through the richness.

• Mocktails: Cucumber lime spritzers or ginger lemonade keep things fresh.

• Green tea or jasmine tea for a light and traditional non-alcoholic option.

📝 Final Thoughts

Asian chicken meatballs strike that rare balance of being easy to make but impressive to serve. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting friends, or just want a better lunch prep game, this recipe is a no-brainer. With its juicy chicken, flavorful seasoning, and glossy glaze, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.