Sweet And Sour Chicken Meatballs

5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs are your ticket to a flavor-packed meal that's both comforting and exciting. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs drenched in a homemade sauce that perfectly balances sweet with a hint of sour. It's an easy, no-fuss recipe that delivers big on taste, making it a surefire hit for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Asian

Servings:

Calories: 442kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

For The Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup onion finely chopped
1 large egg
2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

For The Sweet And Sour Sauce

½ cup sugar
½ cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
red food coloring optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for an easier cleanup later.
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for a nice golden brown color and for them to be cooked through.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ketchup. Heat this over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Now is the time to add a few drops of red food coloring to give the sauce that nice red color.
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this into your saucepan. Keep cooking and stirring for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Once the meatballs are baked, gently toss them in the sweet and sour sauce, ensuring they're evenly coated.
Serve these meatballs over a bed of rice or noodles. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.

Notes

Switch Up the Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or beef for a different twist on these meatballs.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Double the Batch: These meatballs are great for meal prep – make extra and freeze for a quick meal later.
Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice or noodles, and don't forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish!

Nutrition