Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce
Easy and quick chicken meatballs with a luscious honey mustard sauce, combining tender ground chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and family-friendly dish can be served as appetizers, main courses, or party snacks.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb fresh lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs / almond flour for variations)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tbsp water or chicken broth (to thin sauce if needed)
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients without overmixing, to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking tray or plate for easy handling.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through. Alternatively, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet for a hands-off approach.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the meatballs cook, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. If the sauce is too thick, add water or chicken broth a little at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, reduce heat to low and pour the honey mustard sauce over them in the skillet. Gently toss to coat evenly and let heat through for 1-2 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Keep It Moist: Adding grated onion or soaked bread crumbs can help retain moisture in meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to make evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Chicken meatballs cook quickly and can dry out; cook just until no longer pink inside.
- Simmer Sauce with Meatballs: Let the sauce warm gently with the meatballs for better flavor absorption.
- Use Fresh Mustard: Dijon mustard is preferred for smooth texture and balanced acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, honey mustard sauce, quick dinner, appetizers, gluten free, healthy protein, easy recipe