SWEET & SASSY CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor — your next go-to dinner dish!

These Sweet & Sassy Chicken Meatballs are everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and nourishing. They’re oven baked to perfection and tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy glaze that hits all the right notes. Whether you serve them over fluffy jasmine rice or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice, this bowl is as balanced as it is crave worthy.

(Instagram Reel)

Why we love these chicken meatballs:

• The meatballs are tender, juicy and full of flavor without being heavy.

• The sweet and spicy sauce is naturally sweetened with honey and packs just the right kick.

• The quick sauteed veggie mix adds crunch, color and nutrients

• It's gluten free, dairy free and macro friendly.

• The whole bowl comes together in about 30 minutes. 

   

Ingredients:

• Ground Chicken - A lean protein source that's easy to digest and soaks up flavor beautifully.
• Egg - Helps bind the meatballs while adding protein and healthy fats. *See notes for egg free option.
• Panko or breadcrumbs - Provides structure and a light, tender texture. I use Ian's.
• Garlic powder - Adds a warm, savory depth.
• Sea Salt - Enhances all the flavors. My go to salt is Redmond. (code GFMACROS)
• Ground ginger - Adds a subtle warmth and supports digestion.
• Honey - Natural sweetness with antimicrobial properties.
• Coconut Aminos - a gluten free alternative to soy sauce, right in umami and lower in sodium. We love Coconut Secret.
• Crushed Red Pepper - Brings the sassy heat!
• Minced Garlic - Brighters up the sauce and adds immune supporting properties.
• Arrowroot - A thickening agent that keeps the sauce smooth and glossy.
• Matchstick carrots - High in beta-carotene and add a satisfying crunch.
• Sugar Snap Peas - Packed with fiber, vitamin C and natural sweetness.
• Shredded Cabbage - Adds bulk and crunch while being low calorie and gut friendly.

Pro Tips:

• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs and insistent baking.
• Lightly spray your parchment with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
• Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy or want some for leftovers for the next day.
• These meatballs freeze well once cooked - perfect for batch cooking.

Notes, Swaps and Oven Directions:

• Breadcrumbs - Use gluten free panko or toast and pulse your favorite GF bread in a food processor. 
• No egg? - Try a  flax egg (1 Tbs + 2.5 Tbs water)! This can work in a pinch or for egg free.
• Veggie Swaps - Sub in shredded Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, or even broccoli slaw.
• Don't like spicy? - Reduce or skip the crushed red pepper. The sauce will still be deliciously sweet and tangy.

Make it a Meal:

• Jasmine Rice - For a classic base with comforting texture.
• Cauliflower Rice - For a low carb, veggie packed option.

{SWEET AND SPICY STIR-FRY BOWL}

405 cal | 51g C | 13g F | 26g P
Serves 4

Meatballs:

16oz ground chicken

1 egg

87g panko crumbs, or toasted breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 ground ginger

Sauce: 

2 Tbs + 2 tsp (40g) water

6 Tbs (126g) honey

2 tsp (10g) coconut aminos

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1 tsp minced garlic

2 tsp arrowroot

1 1/2 Tbs (23mL) water

Veggies: 

120 g matchstick carrots

100g sugar snap peas

100g shredded cabbage

Optional:

Jasmine rice or Cauliflower rice

Green onions

Cashews

Additional crushed red pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. 

2) In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until just combined.

3) Using a scoop to form meatballs and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

4) While the meatballs bake, make the sauce: 

• Combine all of the ingredients (except the arrowroot slurry) in a small saucepan.
• In a separate bowl, mix arrowroot with water to make a slurry.
• Heat sauce over medium-low, then stir in slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.

5) In a skillet sauté carrots, peas and cabbage over medium-low heat with a drizzle of olive oil until just tender, yet slightly crispy.

6) Assemble bowls with optional rice, veggies, meatballs and top each bowl with 1/4 of the sweet and sassy sauce. 

7) Garnish with green onions, cashews or even extra red pepper if desired. 

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think! I also love seeing what you make, please tag me on Instagram! This helps me to create more for each of you!