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Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw

Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw

Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw is a balanced and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs glazed in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, paired with a fresh, crunchy broccoli slaw dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is easy to prepare, healthy, and fully customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

For the Broccoli Slaw

  • 4 cups broccoli slaw mix (shredded broccoli, cabbage, and carrots)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly. Roll each portion into a smooth ball about the size of a ping-pong ball and place them on a lined baking tray.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Alternatively, pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
  4. Coat with Sticky BBQ Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, toss or brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and get deliciously sticky.
  5. Prepare the Broccoli Slaw: While the meatballs cook, mix the broccoli slaw with Greek yogurt or mayo, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well coated and tangy.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sticky BBQ chicken meatballs on a serving plate next to or on top of the fresh broccoli slaw. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra sauce if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t overmix meat to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
  • Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor and glaze.
  • Let meatballs rest briefly after baking to lock in juiciness before applying sauce.
  • Customize the slaw dressing acidity or sweetness to your preference.
  • Prepare meatballs a day ahead and reheat gently with BBQ sauce for easy entertaining.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken meatballs, broccoli slaw, party appetizer, healthy dinner, gluten free, easy recipe