Firecracker Meatballs

Combining spicy sauce and flavorful meatballs, this firecracker meatballs recipe always get rave reviews when I make them for a quick weeknight dinner or as the perfect appetizer for my parties.

Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’re going to love fire cracker meatballs.

This fresh recipe for savory firecracker sauce has great flavors that are perfect for mixing with your choice of meat, to create a delicious and substantial meal.

When it comes to meatball recipes, there are so many different ways to serve them, but this spicy firecracker sauce is completely unique.

These are just as delicious and unique as my Sweet and Sour Meatballs and my Grape Jelly Meatballs.

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Ingredients Needed

Ground chicken – You can also use ground beef, ground pork or ground turkey as well.

Panko crumbs – Try using Ritz crackers for a more buttery taste.

Sriracha – If you aren’t able to find sriracha, you can replace it with Tabasco or other hot sauces.

Soy sauce – If you prefer, you can use coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce.

Onion powder – No onion powder? Try using minced white onions.

Minced garlic – Replace minced garlic with a teaspoon garlic powder.

Hot sauce – You can use any hot sauce of choice (I personally like Frank’s RedHot).

Brown sugar – If you can’t get brown sugar, you can mix molasses and white sugar.

Rice wine vinegar – Grab some apple cider vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar if needed.

Red pepper flakes – Cayenne pepper can be a great substitute if need be.

Pantry staples – Kosher salt, black pepper, large eggs.

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How To Make Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

First: Preheat oven to 425F. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Second: In a large bowl, create a combination of ground chicken, Panko, Sriracha, eggs, soy sauce, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Do not over mix. 

Using an ice cream scoop or clean hands to form meatballs, shaping each one into 1 ½ inch balls. 

Third: In a small to medium saucepan, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. On medium heat to medium-high heat, bring mixture to a nice simmer and stir to thicken slightly. 

Remove from medium high heat and put aside. 

Fourth: Place meat mixture on baking sheet and bake in hot oven for a total time of 20 – 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Fifth: Remove and toss in a mixing bowl with sauce. Serve on toothpicks or over jasmine rice. Garnish with green onions, chives, or sesame seeds.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long do they last?

As long as you place them in an airtight container, the leftovers from this recipe can be left in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.

If you want to save them for longer, create your own frozen meatballs by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

There are a few different ways you can reheat this meat mixture. One of the best tools is the air fryer, placing them in the basket for 8 – 10 minutes, adding more time as needed to heat thoroughly.

You can also use a large skillet and olive oil if you like a browned exterior. Place your meatballs in with a drizzle of oil, flipping until all sides are cooked equally.

You can also use a slow cooker for reheating them and keeping them warm if you plan on serving them over the course of a few hours, like for a party.

Serving Suggestions

The best way that I’ve found to serve these meatballs is on top of a single layer of white rice, with a side of green beans.

If you prefer a low carb alternative, you can make small meatballs and place in lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice.

Spicy Appetizers You’ll Love

I love a little heat in my foods. I think it keeps me on my toes. But really, I just love all the extra flavors that spicy foods have.

Some of my favorites are my spicy saltine crackers, my redneck snack mix, and these jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• To incorporate more vegetables into your meal, you can also include red bell pepper (or the bell peppers of your choice) into the meatball recipe.
• If you like both chicken and turkey, combine ground turkey with a pound ground chicken, for a nice mix of dark meat and light meat.
• For more moisture in your meatballs, try using a combination of bread crumbs and almond flour when making them.
• If you prefer a less spicy sauce, try mixing the sauce ingredients with sour cream or light coconut milk, to help cut down on the heat.
• Serve these in lettuce wraps for a fun lunch!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Not only is this recipe for Firecracker meatballs delicious, but the best part is that they’re a hit no matter what the occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer that can be made in big batches or a delicious weeknight dinner for your family, this will become your next go-to meal.

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