30 Minute Baked BBQ Chicken Meatballs

With a perfect blend of ground chicken, spices and tangy sauce, these Baked BBQ Chicken Meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion! Serve with your favorite side dishes for a weeknight meal or as an easy party appetizer!

These baked BBQ chicken meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic meatball recipe. The natural juiciness of chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet BBQ sauce. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful meatballs. The addition of garlic powder, paprika, and breadcrumbs adds depth and texture, which compliments the overall flavor. My family is literally obsessed.

I fell in love with these meatballs after making these BBQ Chicken Burgers over and over again. But sometimes I don’t feel like the whole burger – so, hello meatballs! Don’t want a burger or meatballs? Check out this BBQ Chicken Kale Salad!

Not only do these baked BBQ chicken meatballs taste fantastic, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Simply mix the ground chicken with spices, breadcrumbs, and BBQ sauce, shape them into golf ball-sized meatballs, and bake until golden brown. No complicated techniques or lengthy cooking times are required! Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof.

What to serve with meatballs

There are so many ways to enjoy these easy chicken meatballs. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, complete with toothpicks for easy snacking, or pair them with a simple caesar salad or sweet grilled corn for a satisfying lunch or dinner. For a more substantial meal, place them in a soft bun, slathered with extra BBQ sauce, and topped with crunchy coleslaw.

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can even be frozen for future use, making them a convenient option for meal prep. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these baked BBQ chicken meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Chicken – Keep these meatballs super moist.
• Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika) – The usuals.
• Breadcrumbs – Just a little to help bind.
• BBQ Sauce – Let’s get saucy.

How To Make Baked BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Recipe Tips

• To ensure moist and tender meatballs, avoid over-mixing the ground chicken mixture. Over-mixing can result in a tougher texture, so gently combine the ingredients until just evenly incorporated.
• Dampening your hands with water before rolling the meatballs will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. This makes shaping the meatballs easier and less messy.
• For even cooking and a nicely browned exterior, space the meatballs evenly on the baking sheet, leaving some room between each one. This allows hot air to circulate around them, promoting browning and preventing them from steaming.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meatballs are fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball, and it should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure safe consumption.

Variations

• For those who crave some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. This will give the meatballs a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ sauce.
• Enhance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by incorporating a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the meatball mixture. This addition will bring a touch of sweetness and balance out the tanginess of the sauce.
• For a gooey and cheesy surprise, insert a small cube of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the center of each meatball before shaping.
• Give the meatballs an Asian twist by substituting the BBQ sauce with a teriyaki glaze. Instead of breadcrumbs, mix in some panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Allow leftover meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Once baked and cooled, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

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