Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs combine jalapeño, garlic, ginger, onion and soy sauce with crisp panko breadcrumbs for a tender, well-seasoned bite. They’re coated in a firecracker sauce that balances hot sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes for a sweet, tangy heat. Serve them as bite-size appetizers or game-day snacks, or alongside a favorite side for a main dish.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook15 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Firecracker Chicken Meatballs, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactPoor
- 33 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 12 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 58 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 26
- Heart Health
- 41
- Metabolic
- 15
- Digestive
- 32
- Inflammatory
- 49
- Performance
- 27
- General Wellness
- 1
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with foil, and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- 2
Stir egg, jalapeño, soy sauce, onion powder, ginger, garlic, and pepper together in a large bowl. Add ground chicken and breadcrumbs, and gently mix just until combined.
- 3
Form into meatballs using a cookie scoop; shape with wet hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the center, 8 to 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- 5
Meanwhile, for the firecracker sauce, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat to cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- 6
Dip each meatball into the sauce or brush each meatball with the sauce, return to the baking sheet, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- 7
Drizzle or brush with additional sauce as desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
- Calories 233.58 kcal Moderate 12%
- Protein 20.95 g Good Source 42%
- Carbohydrate 31.79 g 12%
- Total Fat 2.52 g Low Source 3%
- Saturated Fat 0.69 g Low Source 3%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 87.93 mg High 29%
- Sodium 615.49 mg High 27%
- Dietary Fiber 1.09 g Low Source 4%
- Total Sugars 18.76 g --
- Added Sugars 1.45 g Low Source 3%
- Calcium 18.14 mg Low Source 1%
- Iron 1.2 mg Low Source 7%
- Potassium 110.99 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin A 22.71 mcg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin C 9.09 mg Moderate 10%
- Vitamin D 0.17 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Fish 🐟
- Eggs 🥚
- Soy 🌱
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Firecracker Chicken Meatballs is made with 18 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 35 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Apple Cider Vinegar, Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, and Chicken Breast. Each serving provides about 233.58 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Firecracker Chicken Meatballs made of?
- The main ingredients are Apple Cider Vinegar, Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, Chicken Breast, Diced Jalapeño Peppers. The full list of 18 is above.
- How long does it take to make Firecracker Chicken Meatballs?
- About 35 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 233.58 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Firecracker Chicken Meatballs easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 18 ingredients and 7 steps.
- Is Firecracker Chicken Meatballs healthy?
- Firecracker Chicken Meatballs has an easyChef Pro health score of 35/100. Per serving, it provides 233.58 calories and 20.95 g of protein, or 42% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 615.49 mg (27% of the Daily Value). It contains Fish, Eggs, Soy, Wheat, Gluten, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
How easyChef Pro scores recipes and products
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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