Easy Make-Ahead Grilled Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Published May 26, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Food Wishes via YouTube

Since the Summer season is almost here, it means it’s time for fun outdoor or water activities, but it could also mean that it’s time for cookouts with your family or friends, and what better way to prepare for it than to have a list of your favorite recipes to make.

When it comes to dishes for cookouts I prefer making them ahead of time so that I don’t feel too pressured or busy on the day of the event, and one of my go-to and all-time favorite recipes is this one by Food Wishes on YouTube!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Meatballs:

Meatballs

1 pound of ground chicken
1 tbsp of sesame oil
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of mirin
1 tsp of kosher salt
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup of green onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tbsp of plain fine breadcrumbs

Glaze

1 tbsp of ketchup
2 tbsp of hoisin sauce
2 tsp of grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp of rice vinegar

How to Make Grilled Chicken Meatballs:

Step 1

In a large bowl, add the chicken, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, salt, pepper, cayenne, green onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs, then using a fork, mix everything until evenly combined, and then shape the meat together in the center of the bowl. Wrap the meat mixture with plastic tightly, then put it in the refrigerator, and let it chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

Once ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F, then line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Divide the meatball mixture into 16 equal pieces, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet making sure to space them evenly, and roll each piece into a smooth ball.

Step 3

Place them in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes until cooked through or they reach an internal temperature of 145-150°F, then let them cool down, and put them in the refrigerator until needed. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat, then lightly grease the grate with oil, and prepare the sauce.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, hoisin, fresh ginger, and rice vinegar until uniform, then put 4 meatballs on each skewer, and grill them for about 3 minutes per side until lightly charred and heated through. Next, turn them over, then brush them with the glaze until nicely coated, turn them over, and repeat brushing the sauce on the other side.

Step 5

Let them sear for about 30 seconds, then brush the top with more glaze, turn them over, and sear for another 30 seconds brushing the top with more glaze. Turn them over once more, then let them sear for about 30 seconds, and remove them from the heat. Apply more glaze to the meatballs, then place them on a serving plate, and serve immediately. Enjoy!