There's something special about the mix of sweet and spicy that makes our taste buds dance. Sweet and spicy meatballs are a perfect example.
Adding a hot honey glaze takes them to a whole new level. This sticky, shiny coating adds just the right heat, making hot honey meatballs both cozy and exciting!
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
These sticky chicken meatballs have become a hit at my home. They're great for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a fancy party.
Let's explore how to make this ground chicken recipe a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you're cooking for your family or a crowd, I've got you covered!
Discover tips for turning hot honey meatballs into a versatile dish for any occasion.
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What’s the Secret to Making Amazing Meatballs?
Ever wonder how to make meatballs that are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned? It’s easier than you think!
Whether you’re craving classic Italian meatballs or something sweet and spicy, nailing the right texture and flavor is key.
After making my fair share of meatballs, I’ve discovered a few tricks that guarantee delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level in your sauce. You can always adjust the seasoning later, depending on your taste.
- Light soy sauce – Light soy sauce has a milder, less salty flavor than regular soy sauce, which makes it a great choice for a healthier sauce. It adds umami without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey – Honey is the key to that perfect balance of sweetness and stickiness in the sauce. If you're looking for a different flavor, you can swap it with maple syrup, but keep in mind the sauce may be a little thinner.
- Hot sauce – Sriracha is a perfect hot sauce for this recipe, offering a nice level of heat with a bit of sweetness. If you want more heat, feel free to add extra or use a spicier sauce, but be mindful that it could overpower the sweetness of the honey.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
- Prepare my baked chicken meatballs recipe.
- In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine all the ingredients for the hot honey.
- Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. This will happen quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Drizzle this sweet and spicy hot honey over the meatballs or your favorite dish for an extra kick!
JULIA'S TIP: Start with a little hot sauce and add more if you want it spicier. It's better to add more spice than to take it away!
Tips for the Best Meatballs
Balance the ingredients. The right ratio is everything! MEASURE YOUR INGREDIENTS! Too many breadcrumbs make meatballs dry, while too few can cause them to fall apart. Aim for just enough to keep them tender and flavorful.
Eggs are the glue. Eggs hold everything together, but adding too many can make your meatballs rubbery. You'll need 1 large egg for these meatballs.
Even sizes for even cooking. For perfectly cooked meatballs, keep them the same size. I like using a cookie scoop or spoon to make sure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don't overbake them. It is better to undertake the, a little as they will continue to cook while resting.
Julia's Tip: Accidentally overbaked your meatballs? No worries—you can still save them!
Heat a skillet or small pot over medium-high heat and bring some spring water to a boil.
Lower the heat, add the meatballs, and let them simmer gently for 10-20 minutes. This will help restore their tenderness and keep them juicy.
How to Keep Meatballs Warm for a Crowd
Hosting a party? Keeping meatballs warm and tasty for guests is easy with the right tricks.
Here’s how to do it without losing flavor or moisture.
Best Ways to Keep Meatballs Warm
- Slow Cooker: Set it to “warm” for hands-free heating.
- Chafing Dish: Use a water bath underneath to prevent drying out.
- Warming Tray: Great for buffet-style serving with even heat distribution.
Pro Tip: Serve meatballs with toothpicks and sprinkle fresh herbs or cheese on top. It keeps them looking and tasting amazing!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs
Hot honey chicken meatballs shine even brighter with the right sides. Whether for a cozy dinner or a party spread, these pairing ideas will balance their sweet and spicy flavors.
Best Side Dishes
- Fresh Salads: strawberry spinach salad, cucumber salad, cabbage dill salad.
- Roasted Veggies: Caramelized Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Soak up that hot honey glaze with turmeric rice, cilantro rice or garlic mashed potatoes.
- Low Carb: zucchini noodles (zoodled), cauliflower rice or simply eat the meatballs with a fork, they are so yummy!
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Cool meatballs completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps lock in moisture and keep the glaze sticky and flavorful.
- To Freeze. For longer storage, freeze meatballs without the glaze. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Meatballs
Warm meatballs gently to keep them juicy:
- Oven: Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
- Stovetop: Simmer gently in sauce over low heat.
More Meatball Recipes
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Recipe Card
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 recipe baked chicken meatballs
Hot Honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Sriracha
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare my baked chicken meatballs recipe.1 recipe baked chicken meatballs
- In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine all the ingredients for the hot honey.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. This will happen quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Drizzle this sweet and spicy hot honey over the meatballs or your favorite dish for an extra kick!
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Sweet and Spicy Meatballs: Frequently Asked Questions
These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs with Hot Honey are special because of their sweet and spicy mix. The hot honey glaze adds a sticky sweetness that pairs well with the chicken.
They're also great for any event because everyone loves them!
Feel free to swap the hot sauce for your favorite (just skip Tabasco for this one).
You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave—just note the sauce may be a bit thinner than with honey.
It's all about balancing sweet and spicy and getting it syrupy. Simmer the sauce until everything thickens, it usually happens quick but if you want a really sticky glaze, simmer it double time.
Julia
enjoy these tender and delicious hot honey chicken meatballs. Trust me, they are soooo addictive!