Who doesn’t love a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to whip up, and packed with both comfort and freshness? These Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw are a total game-changer! Imagine juicy, tender chicken meatballs drenched in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce, perfectly paired with a crunchy, zesty broccoli slaw. It’s the kind of meal that hits the spot every time, whether you’re hosting a get-together, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something ridiculously tasty. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even toss the meatballs onto a salad, this recipe works perfectly for any meal or event.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make this dish shine. It’s affordable yet packed with flavor, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in a flash. From prep to plate, it’s a simple, hassle-free recipe that doesn’t take up too much time.
Customizable: Love spice? Add a little heat to the BBQ sauce. Want it extra crunchy? Toss in some extra slaw! You can make it your own and adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish: It’s made with simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Let’s break it down:
Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs, providing a tender and juicy bite. The ground chicken soaks up all those BBQ flavors and becomes melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together while adding a touch of texture.
Egg: For binding, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape as they cook.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics add a savory depth of flavor to the meatballs.
BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Rich, tangy, and sticky, it coats the meatballs perfectly and gives them that irresistible glaze.
Broccoli Slaw: A fresh and crunchy addition to balance out the richness of the meatballs. Tossed in a light dressing, it adds a zingy contrast.
Mayonnaise & Apple Cider Vinegar: For the dressing that coats the slaw, making it creamy and tangy at the same time.
Honey: A touch of sweetness in the slaw that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your meatballs the perfect golden-brown color.
Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, or your meatballs might turn out dense.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meatball mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out so they cook evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat up your BBQ sauce in a small pan over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
Toss the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them in that sticky, sweet sauce.
Prepare the Broccoli Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the broccoli slaw with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated and the slaw is nicely dressed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sticky BBQ chicken meatballs alongside the crunchy broccoli slaw. These two were meant to be together!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve over rice for a hearty meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans for a balanced plate.
- Toss the meatballs into a sandwich or wrap for a fun and portable meal.
- Top with some shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For a spicier kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey works just as well for these meatballs.
- Double the recipe for meal prep – these meatballs freeze beautifully!
- Make the slaw ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld together.
FAQ’s
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use. - Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or pork would work just as well for this recipe. - How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers. - Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. - What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love! A tangy, smoky sauce works best, but you can experiment with different flavors. - How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one open to check for any pinkness. - Can I make these meatballs without an oven?
Yes, you can pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re golden brown and cooked through. - How can I make the slaw creamier?
Add a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a richer texture. - Can I use store-bought slaw mix?
Yes, store-bought broccoli slaw mix works perfectly if you’re short on time. - What should I serve with this dish?
These meatballs are great with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple salad.
Conclusion
Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw is the kind of dish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. With juicy meatballs, a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze, and the refreshing crunch of broccoli slaw, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and treat yourself to something delicious!
Print
Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish with juicy chicken meatballs smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce, served alongside a fresh and crunchy broccoli slaw.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups broccoli slaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the broccoli slaw. In a bowl, mix together the broccoli slaw, mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in extra BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Serve the meatballs on a plate with the broccoli slaw on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce.
- You can also use store-bought or homemade slaw mix for the broccoli slaw.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables instead of slaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg