Forget everything you know about boring, bland meatballs! These Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs are about to take your taste buds on an incredible journey through the vibrant landscape of Chinese cuisine. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs packed with aromatic garlic and green onions, then smothered in a tantalizing sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and half of the chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a clean plate.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- In a large skillet, toast chopped peanuts over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced bell peppers and red pepper flakes for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with bell peppers. Pour sauce over meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with remaining green onions and toasted peanuts. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Toast the peanuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make extra sauce on the side for those who love additional flavor drizzled over their rice or noodles.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 125mg
