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 for cooking; Thinly sliced scallions; Chili sambal; Toasted sesame seeds

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet light enough to enjoy any night of the week, this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how these meatballs combine juicy ground chicken with zesty ginger and garlic, and the tamari sauce gives them that perfect umami punch you just can’t resist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s a total game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or even meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Healthy & Flavorful: Lean chicken with fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic make it nutrient-dense and satisfying.
Versatile: Works as a meal on its own, in soups, or nestled in lettuce wraps.
Family Favorite: My kids and friends can’t get enough of these tender, juicy meatballs.

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, easy Asian chicken meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs, flavorful Asian meatballs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is chosen to create a balance of freshness and richness. Grab good-quality ground chicken with some dark meat for extra juiciness, and don’t skip fresh ginger and garlic—they’re the heart of that vibrant flavor you’re craving.

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, easy Asian chicken meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs, flavorful Asian meatballs

Ground chicken: I prefer a mix with some dark meat for moisture and flavor; avoid super lean varieties.
Scallions: Using both white and green parts adds a mild onion flavor and a fresh crunch when garnishing.
Fresh ginger: Grating it fresh with the juice really wakes up the meatballs with brightness.
Garlic: Fresh and grated gives a smooth integration without big chunks of raw garlic.
Gluten-free tamari: This is my go-to soy sauce substitute that offers deep umami while keeping it gluten-free.
Avocado oil: It has a nice, high smoke point and neutral taste, ideal for frying these meatballs to golden perfection.
Garnishes: Thinly sliced scallions, chili sambal, and toasted sesame seeds—these little toppings really elevate the dish.

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

I love playing around with this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe to keep things fresh, and I encourage you to do the same. It’s easy to tune flavors up or down depending on your mood and dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the meat mixture for an extra hit of heat my family adores.
Herb Boost: Toss in some chopped cilantro or Thai basil to amp up the Asian vibes and freshness.
Low-Carb Wrapping: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the meatballs for a gluten-free, low-carb option that’s also fun to eat.
Vegetarian Swap: While I haven’t tried it myself, you can experiment replacing chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a veggie twist.

How to Make Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up That Flavorful Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken with scallions, freshly grated ginger and garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tamari in a large bowl. I like to use my hands here—it helps to gently mix everything without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender. You’ll notice the ginger juice adds moisture, making forming the meatballs easier.

Step 2: Shape Into Uniform Meatballs

Using about a tablespoon of mixture per meatball, roll them gently into balls. I find making them similar in size ensures even cooking. If the mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands with water before shaping to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Brown and Cook the Meatballs

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches without crowding the pan. Brown each side for 3-4 minutes, turning carefully so they develop a nice golden crust all around. Then cover the pan and let them cook through for about 10-12 minutes. You can check doneness by cutting into one or using a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C)

Step 4: Finish With Extra Tamari and Serve

After cooking, toss the meatballs gently in the remaining 2 tablespoons of tamari for a savory glaze. Serve immediately with your choice of garnishes for that finishing touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps your meatballs tender and juicy, not dense and chewy.
Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference in flavor compared to dried powders.
Brown in Batches: Crowding the pan steams the meatballs rather than browning, which dulls the flavor and texture.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfect cooking every time—overcooked chicken gets dry fast.

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, easy Asian chicken meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs, flavorful Asian meatballs

Garnishes

I always top these meatballs with a handful of thinly sliced scallions, a drizzle of chili sambal for heat, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add a wonderful crunch and a pop of freshness that balances the savory meatballs perfectly.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if I’m keeping it low-carb. Sometimes I serve them with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy tossed in garlic for a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love skewering these meatballs and serving them as bite-sized appetizers with a dipping sauce on the side—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Or, pack them into steamed bao buns for a fun, fusion-style slider that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate from wet garnishes preserves texture better if you add those fresh before serving again.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully. I like to flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months — perfect for grabbing a quick protein fix anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until warmed through to keep that crispy exterior. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes make them a little soft.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works similarly well, though it tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a tiny bit of olive oil or finely chopped veggies to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, when you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Mix gently and avoid overworking the meat. Also, forming the meatballs firmly but not too tight helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, baking at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through works well if you want an easier cleanup or a slightly lighter texture.
What should I serve with these meatballs?

They pair perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, stir-fried veggies, or inside lettuce wraps for a totally satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s dependable, super flavorful, and darn easy to make. When I first tried it, I was hooked on how the simple ingredients come together for such a comforting, delicious bite every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers big on taste without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your favorites too!