Sweet Chili Meatballs

Name: Sweet Chili Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken ((can substitute with ground turkey)); 1 large egg; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 1 teaspoon grated garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 piece lime (juiced); 1-2 tablespoons water (as needed to thin the sauce); Sliced green onion (cilantro, and/or sesame seeds, for garnish)

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Sweet chili meatballs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavors! Made with ground chicken, fresh cilantro, garlic, and ginger, these meatballs in sweet chili sauce have the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time for an easy meal whenever you need one.

a baking sheet with sweet chili meatballs garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds and bowl of chili sauce and a slice of lime on its side with a gray cloth, bowl of green onions, and bowl of rice in the background.

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If you love sweet and spicy flavors, these sweet chili sauce meatballs will be your new favorite dish! They’re savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, making them perfect for everything from a weeknight dinner to a party appetizer.

Made with ground chicken, these meatballs in sweet chili sauce are lighter than traditional beef or pork versions, but still tender and flavorful. The mango and chili give them a unique taste, while fresh cilantro, garlic, and ginger add brightness and depth. Serve them garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation!

Why We Love this Meatballs in Sweet Chili Sauce

Bold sweet and spicy flavor
The sweet chili sauce is slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness, balanced perfectly by garlic, ginger, and cilantro.
Easy to make
These meatballs can be baked or pan-fried, giving you flexibility based on your preference. The baking method makes them extra crispy without the mess!
Perfect for any occasion
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main dish, these sweet chili sauce meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they freeze well, making meal prep a breeze!

Love meatballs? Check out our sausage balls, sausage balls bisquick, spicy meatballs, and pan fry meatballs. They’re perfect for dunking in our sauces and dips just like these meatballs!

a baking sheet with sweet chili sauce with a slice of lime and dipping sauce beside it.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

For The Meatballs

Ground chicken: The base of the mix. I recommend using “ground chicken” not “ground chicken breast” because it has a bit more structure and less moisture.
Large egg: helps bind the meatballs together.
Panko breadcrumbs: Help absorb extra moisture in the meatballs to keep them juicy without being soggy. If you don’t have one, you can use crushed crackers instead.
Sweet chili sauce: adds a bit of spice and sweetness to the meatballs. You can also use sriracha sauce or make your own using a mix of honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Soy sauce: adds a salty umami flavor to the recipe.
Cilantro: adds a fresh, grassy flavor to the meatballs. Basil or parsley can also be used if you don’t like cilantro.
Garlic: for that kick of flavor.
Ginger: adds a zing of flavor.
Sesame oil: adds a nutty flavor and helps crisp the meatballs while they bake.

Labeled ingredients for Sweet Chili Meatballs recipe.

For the Sauce

Sweet chili sauce; this Asian sauce adds the perfect flavor
Lime juice: adds a bit of acidity and freshness to the sauce. You can also use lemon juice for this recipe.
Water: helps thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds: for garnish.

a white mixing bowl with the chicken meatball ingredients.

Recipe Variations

I am using the chicken I used in easy sheet pan chicken recipes, but you can use ground pork, ground turkey, ground beef, or any mixture of ground meat. For the best results, do not use extra lean ground turkey.
To make these sweet and sour meatballs with chili sauce gluten-free, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free soy sauce.
For extra heat, add a teaspoon (or more) of sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the sweet chili sauce mixture.
You can also dip chicken tenders or strips and Bisquick baked chicken strips into this sweet chili sauce.
The dipping sauce can also be enjoyed with spring rolls.

How To Make The Sweet Chili Sauce Meatballs

Cooking the Meatballs

Mix the meatballs. Preheat the oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating, mix together the ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced cilantro, grated garlic, and grated ginger to a large bowl.

Pour the sesame oil over a large pork tenderloin with potatoes or baking sheet. Rub it all over the pan with your hands. This will help the chicken not stick to the pan.
Prepare for baking. Use a scoop or a heaping tablespoon to roll the chicken into smooth golf ball sized portions (about 1.5 tablespoons). Place them at least 1” apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake. Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F.
While the meatballs are baking, mix together the dipping sauce.

Making The Sweet Chili Sauce

Mix the Sauce. To a large bowl, add the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk together until the sauce is thin and pourable. If it is not yet thin enough, then add another tablespoon of water.

a white mixing bowl with meatballs and sweet chili sauce.

Put the chicken meatballs in the sauce and mix them together. You can enjoy it with green onion, cilantro, or sesame seeds on top.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

For the best sweet chili meatballs, let them simmer in the sweet chili sauce for a few extra minutes after cooking—this helps them soak up all that bold, sweet, and spicy flavor! Want an even crispier texture? Bake them on a wire rack over a baking sheet for better airflow and even browning.

a hand holding the baking sheet with meatballs and dipping sauce and a gray cloth, bowl of green onion slices, bowl of sesame seeds, bowl of rice, and another bowl of dipping sauce in the background.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet chili meatballs make an incredible appetizer or main course. Serve them over rice like our rice Instant Pot basmati or learn how to make brown rice in the Instant Pot for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try them with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a nutritious twist.

Pair them with a fresh side salad or best grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Want to make them party-friendly? Serve them on toothpicks for a fun and easy appetizer! Garnish with scallions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

a hand holding chopsticks picking a meatballs placed in a baking sheet with dipping sauce and slice of lime and bowl of sesame seeds, bowl of green onions, and a bowl of rice in the background.

Recipe FAQs

Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

Baking meatballs is an easy way to make juicy and flavorful meatballs. Fried meatballs can be crispy on the outside but they might be dry on the inside. If you choose to fry them, make sure there is enough room for them to cook evenly so they don’t get dry.

Should you let meatballs rest before cooking?

No, but if you have the time, it won’t hurt. Letting the meatballs sit for 20-30 minutes will help them hold together better when cooking. This is especially true if you are baking the meatballs instead of frying them.

If you are short on time, you can skip the resting step. Just be sure to form the meatballs tightly so they hold together well.

What is a good substitute for sweet chili sauce?

You can swap the sauce with hoisin sauce, plum sauce, or apricot preserves. If you don’t have any of those on hand, you can make a sweet chili sauce by mixing together equal parts sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.

How do I store this?

The meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Then the sweet chili sauce will last in the fridge for up to one week.
If you find the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to thin it out before serving.

Can I freeze this sweet chili sauce meatballs?

You can freeze the meatballs and dipping sauce in a freezer safe container for up to three months. However, I recommend freezing them without the sauce, so they don’t get soggy when reheated.
When you’re ready to eat them, simply heat the meatballs in the oven and then mix them with the sauce.

a hand holding the baking sheet with meatballs and sweet chili sauce and a gray cloth, bowl of green onion slices, bowl of sesame seeds, bowl of rice, and another bowl of dipping sauce in the background.

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