Irresistible BBQ Chicken Meatballs: Just 6 Steps

Okay, let me tell you why you NEED these BBQ Chicken Meatballs in your life. Seriously, they’re a game-changer! I’m Lisa Raymond, and I’m all about those simple, soul-satisfying meals. And these? Total win.

For me, meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, and when you toss them in BBQ sauce? Forget about it! These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are so easy to whip up – perfect as a quick appetizer for game night or a fun, family-friendly main course. They’re packed with flavor, and even my pickiest eaters gobble them right up!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:

• Super Easy: I’m talking minimal prep, maximum flavor! You can whip these up in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: My kids go CRAZY for these! I mean, what’s not to love about little balls of chicken covered in BBQ sauce?
• Appetizer or Main Dish: Need a party app? Check. Quick weeknight dinner? Double-check! These BBQ Chicken Meatballs do it all.
• That BBQ Flavor: Sweet, smoky, tangy… need I say more? It’s the perfect flavor combo!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to make these little flavor bombs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your fave!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but pretty!)

See? Nothing too crazy, right? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Meatballs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, listen up! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on delicious BBQ Chicken Meatballs in no time. Trust me; it’s easier than it looks!

1. Mix it up! In a nice big bowl, toss together that one pound of ground chicken, half a cup of breadcrumbs, a quarter cup of finely chopped onion, one large egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix! You just want everything combined.
2. Roll ’em! Now, get your hands a little dirty (it’s the best part, right?). Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 little guys. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; we’re going for delicious, not flawless!
3. Get Cookin’! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning them every so often, until they’re browned all over and cooked through. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. The key is even browning!
4. Sauce it Up! Almost there! Drain any extra grease from the skillet – nobody wants greasy meatballs. Then, pour the BBQ sauce over those golden-brown meatballs, tossing gently to coat them in all that saucy goodness.
5. Simmer Down! Let those meatballs simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and get all sticky and amazing. This is where the flavor really melds!
6. Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with parsley just because it looks pretty! Serve warm and prepare for everyone to rave about your mad cooking skills! Wow!

Seriously, you got this!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Okay, you’ve got the basics down, but want to take these BBQ Chicken Meatballs to the NEXT LEVEL? Here are a few of my secret weapons:

• BBQ Sauce is KEY: Seriously, don’t skimp! Use a BBQ sauce you LOVE. Sweet, smoky, tangy – whatever floats your boat!
• Don’t Overcook! Nobody wants dry, rubbery meatballs! Cook them until they’re just cooked through. They’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Even Cooking = Happy Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs aren’t crowded in the skillet. Cook in batches if you need to! This ensures they brown evenly.
• Low and Slow (with Sauce): That simmer time in the BBQ sauce? Don’t rush it! It’s what makes them extra delicious.

Trust me on these – they make all the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Alright, you’ve got these amazing BBQ Chicken Meatballs… now what do you serve with them? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! These little guys are super versatile, so you can’t go wrong!

• Classic Coleslaw: You just can’t beat that cool, creamy crunch with the sweet and tangy meatballs! It’s a perfect match.
• Mac and Cheese: Okay, comfort food overload! My easy baked mac and cheese is always a winner! The creamy cheese sauce is divine with the BBQ flavors.
• Potato Salad: Another classic BBQ side! Whip up your favorite potato salad recipe – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Simple Green Salad: Want something lighter? A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the meatballs.

Yum! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Want to get ahead of the game? These BBQ Chicken Meatballs are PERFECT for making in advance! You can totally prep them the day before – or even freeze them for later! Here’s the scoop:

• Make-Ahead Magic: Just make the meatballs, cook ’em up, and let them cool. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just toss them in the BBQ sauce and simmer ’til heated through! Easy peasy!
• Leftover Love: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’re great reheated or even cold in a salad!
• Freezer Friendly: These babies freeze like a dream! Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed. Boom! Instant dinner!

Seriously, future you will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Meatballs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about these delicious BBQ Chicken Meatballs:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Totally! While I love using ground chicken (it’s lighter!), you can absolutely swap it out. Ground turkey works great, and even lean ground beef can be used for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind it might affect the overall fat content and cooking time a bit. But hey, experiment and find what YOU love best!

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Ooh, this is the fun part! Honestly, the “best” BBQ sauce is the one YOU enjoy most! I lean towards something sweet and tangy, but a smoky or spicy sauce would be awesome too. Just pick your favorite brand and go for it! You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce if you’re feeling ambitious (I have a great recipe over at my BBQ Meatballs article!)

Can you bake these BBQ chicken meatballs rather than pan-frying them?

Yep. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through, then toss in BBQ Sauce!

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

You betcha! Slow cooker BBQ chicken meatballs are a dinnertime lifesaver! Just toss the uncooked meatballs and BBQ sauce into your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Just make sure the meatballs are cooked through before serving. Talk about easy!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, folks, here’s the lowdown on what you’re getting with these BBQ Chicken Meatballs. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, but roughly, one serving packs:

• Calories: About 350
• Fat: Around 20g
• Protein: Roughly 20g
• Carbs: About 25g

Just a heads-up: these numbers can wiggle around depending on the BBQ sauce you pick!

Enjoy Your BBQ Chicken Meatballs!

Alright, friends, that’s all there is to it! I seriously hope you LOVE these BBQ Chicken Meatballs as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, a little rating never hurts either ;). Share your masterpiece on social media, and tag me—I wanna see ’em!

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