Name: Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (with some dark meat and fat); ½ cup chopped scallions (3-4 stalks, green and white parts); 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, with juice; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; Thinly sliced scallions; Chili sambal; Toasted sesame seeds

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor yet light and healthy, you’re going to love this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe. I absolutely love how these meatballs come out juicy and tender, with that delicious punch of ginger, garlic, and tamari that just makes your taste buds dance. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal but fancy enough to serve when friends pop over. Stick with me, and I’ll show you everything you need to make these irresistible meatballs that my whole family goes crazy for.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Takes just about 35 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh ginger, garlic, and tamari create a savory umami punch that’s simply addictive.
Healthy and Nourishing: Made with ground chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s wholesome without sacrificing taste.
Versatile: Great as a main dish, appetizer, or even served in a light broth for extra comfort.

Three white bowls are filled with a clear broth soup containing about six to eight brown meatballs each and bright green baby bok choy pieces with visible stalks and leaves, floating on the surface. The bowls are arranged on a wooden table with a white bowl holding a bright red sauce and a small silver spoon inside it, placed near a set of shiny silver forks and chopsticks. The broth looks light and slightly oily, while the greens add fresh contrast and texture to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Chicken Meatballs, Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meatballs, Quick Asian Dinner, Easy Meatball Recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to bring you those classic Asian flavors with a healthy twist. I always pick ground chicken with a bit of darker meat and fat—they keep the meatballs juicy and tender. Also, don’t skimp on the fresh ginger and garlic; that’s where the magic happens.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground chicken showing light and dark meat, a small bunch of whole scallions with green and white parts, a small white bowl with freshly grated ginger and juice, a small white bowl with grated garlic cloves, two small white bowls each containing gluten-free tamari sauce, a small white bowl with golden avocado oil, a few thinly sliced scallions arranged neatly, a small white bowl with rich red chili sambal, a small white bowl with toasted sesame seeds, all balanced symmetrically and placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Asian Chicken Meatballs, Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meatballs, Quick Asian Dinner, Easy Meatball Recipes

Ground chicken: Use a mix of light and dark for best texture and flavor.
Chopped scallions: Both green and white parts add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Fresh ginger: Grated with juice—this adds that essential zing to the meatballs.
Garlic: Freshly grated gives a pungent and aromatic depth.
Gluten-free tamari: Adds a rich, salty umami that’s gluten-free and tastier than regular soy sauce.
Avocado oil: Perfect for cooking because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Garnishes: Thinly sliced scallions, chili sambal, and toasted sesame seeds really take this dish to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I love swapping ingredients around according to what’s on hand or what I’m craving that day. Feel free to play around!

Add heat: I sometimes stir in chili flakes or fresh chopped chilis for a kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
Make it meatless: Substitute ground chicken with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Gluten-free noodles: Serve over rice noodles or zoodles for a low-carb twist.
Broth upgrade: Adding a splash of chicken bone broth while cooking keeps the meatballs super moist and flavorful.

How to Make Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Flavor Bomb Chicken Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with chopped scallions, grated ginger (don’t forget the juice), grated garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tamari. I like to use my hands here—just enough to mix everything together without overworking the meat. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, and nobody wants that! Once combined, let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes if you can; it helps the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 2: Shape and Sear the Meatballs

Warm 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a tablespoon or your hands to form evenly sized meatballs—about 1.5 inches diameter works well. Place them gently in the hot oil without crowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t rush this part; the caramelization is where the flavor deepens!

Step 3: Finish Cooking and Add the Final Touches

Once browned on all sides, reduce the heat to low and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of tamari over the meatballs. Cover the pan with a lid and let them steam through for another 8-10 minutes. This keeps them juicy and infuses even more flavor. Give the pan an occasional gentle shake to evenly coat the meatballs in the sauce.

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Pro Tips for Making Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Choose the Right Chicken: I learned that ground chicken with some darker meat keeps the meatballs more moist and flavorful than pure breast meat.
Grate Garlic and Ginger Fresh: Pre-minced versions just don’t have that punch; freshly grated adds brightness and aroma.
Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Mixing too much makes the texture dense – I always use a gentle folding motion.
Even Size Matters: Making meatballs the same size ensures they cook evenly – I use a small cookie scoop for consistency.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

A large white rectangular tray on a white marbled texture background holds an arranged selection of fresh foods. Along the edges are layers of green leafy lettuce, fresh green herbs like mint and basil, sliced green lime wedges, and sliced cucumber with a crunchy texture. The center layer features a pile of small golden-brown meatballs topped with fresh green herbs. There are four small white bowls placed on top: one filled with bright orange thin carrot strips, one with pink pickled onion slices, one with hot red chili sauce, and one with more pink pickled strips. Slices of ripe avocado with smooth green layers form a fan shape near the meatballs, while green chili slices add a sharp green color on one side. Wooden chopsticks rest diagonally on the tray with one end near the avocado and the other end resting on the lettuce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Chicken Meatballs, Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meatballs, Quick Asian Dinner, Easy Meatball Recipes

Garnishes

I swear by thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add that finishing crunch and freshness. If you like things spicy like me, a dollop of chili sambal on the side amps up the heat without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are amazing alongside steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. Another favorite here is pairing them with sautéed bok choy or snap peas to add a vibrant, crisp texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love serving these meatballs skewered with pickled cucumber slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s such a fun way to start a party! You can also float them in a bowl of warm chicken bone broth with fresh herbs for a comforting soup-style appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover meatballs cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep them juicy.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze wonderfully. I flash freeze them first on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the meatballs in a skillet covered with a lid over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This helps maintain the tender texture and flavor far better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey works as a substitute, but I recommend picking one with a bit of fat content to keep the meatballs moist. You might want to add a tiny bit of oil when cooking if your turkey is very lean.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid over-handling the meat mixture. Also, letting the meatballs rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking helps them firm up and hold together better.
What can I serve these meatballs with for a complete meal?

Steamed rice, sautéed greens like bok choy, or even a simple noodle salad are all great options that complement the flavors and round out the meal nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for most dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s flavorful, healthy, and just downright comforting. I’ve made it countless times for everything from quick dinners to family gatherings, and it always receives rave reviews. I hope you’ll try it out and make it your own—you really can’t go wrong with these juicy, savory meatballs. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, they’ll be on heavy rotation in your meal plan, too!