Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs

Published Date: Feb. 6, 2025

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook)

• Servings: 4–6 (adjust based on portion size)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken (or substitute pork/turkey)

• 1 large egg, beaten (binding agent)

• 1 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and stems (tightly packed; parsley works as a substitute)

• ½ cup dried bread crumbs (plain, unseasoned)

• ½ cup pitted and chopped dates (deglet noor recommended; golden raisins for substitution)

• 3 tablespoons finely grated fresh citrus zest (limes, lemons, or oranges; combine for layered flavor)

• 1 tablespoon grated/minced garlic (from 4–5 cloves)

• 1½–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin (earthy warmth)

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal; reduce to 1 tsp for fine sea salt)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prep Oven & Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

• Chop Citrus & Herbs: Zest citrus fruit using a microplane grater (avoid pith for brightness). Roughly chop cilantro (or parsley) into ¼-inch pieces.

• Process Dates: Pit and chop dates into ½-inch pieces (use a mini blender on "rough chop" for sticky dates to save time).

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

Transfer all ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Using clean hands, a wooden spoon, or two forks, gently combine until cohesive (do not overmix—this keeps meatballs tender).

Step 4: Form Meatballs

Wet hands lightly to prevent sticking. Roll the mixture into 1½–2-inch (3.8–5cm) balls. Space balls 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Roast

Roast for 10 minutes, then flip meatballs with tongs (at 5 minutes total) to ensure even browning. Continue roasting 5–7 minutes until golden, firm, and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Total time: 15–18 minutes.

User Reviews & Tips

• Substitutions:

• "Used golden raisins instead of dates + Chimichurri sauce—superb!"

• "Turkey instead of chicken + parsley: delicious with sesame-soy dipping sauce."

• Sauce Recommendations:

• "Jesse’s Pomegranate-Molasses Sauce: 2 tbsp each pomegranate syrup, soy, ketchup, honey; 1 tsp mustard, garlic powder, salt/pepper. Whisk for a tangy-sweet glaze."

• Dipping Sauce: ¼ cup low-sodium soy/ rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, red pepper flakes, sugar (balance sweet/savory).

• Cooking Adjustments:

• "Less dates for less sweetness; extended cooking time (18+ minutes) for turkey."

• General Praise:

• "Family favorite! Ages 2–76 love them—going in my recipe notebook."

• "Broccoli + rice + pomegranate sauce: perfect pairing."

Note: Adjust spiciness with red pepper flakes, and reduce dates for milder flavor. Share with loved ones—these meatballs are versatile and crowd-pleasing!