Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce

These Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce bring a delightful twist to the classic meatball dish, combining tender ground chicken with a flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these meatballs can be served in lettuce wraps, making them a fun and healthy option for everyone at the table. The balance of flavors in the meatballs and the accompanying sauce will have your taste buds singing, and they are straightforward to whip up, making them an instant favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why It Works Every Time

What makes these Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce so reliable? First, the use of ground chicken keeps the meatballs moist and tender while allowing the flavors from the garlic, ginger, and shallot to shine through. The addition of panko breadcrumbs and milk creates a light texture, ensuring each bite is juicy and satisfying. The sweet oyster sauce, with its umami-rich profile, elevates these meatballs, making them an irresistible treat. Plus, baking instead of frying means less mess and a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

What to Buy

When preparing Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce, it’s essential to gather quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed list to help you shop:

• Panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add a light and crispy texture.
• Milk: A small amount helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Goldn Plump Ground Chicken: Choose fresh ground chicken for the best flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the overall taste.
• Shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor to the meatballs.
• Fresh ginger: Offers a warm spice that complements the other flavors.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together.
• Soy sauce: A key ingredient for seasoning.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Vegetable oil and sesame oil: Used for sautéing the sauce ingredients.
• Oyster sauce: A must for the sweet and savory sauce.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a rich consistency.
• Boston lettuce: Perfect for wrapping the meatballs.
• Optional garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped red bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onion, lime wedges.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the following kitchen tools at your disposal:

• Baking sheet: For baking the meatballs.
• Mixing bowl: To combine all the meatball ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
• Whisk: To beat the egg and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Small saucepan: For preparing the sweet oyster sauce.

Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce: How It’s Done

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of Goldn Plump Ground Chicken, 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced shallot, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, 1 large egg (lightly beaten), 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink inside.

Step 5: Prepare the Sweet Oyster Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

To the saucepan, add 1/2 cup of oyster sauce, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of honey. In a small bowl, mix 1.5 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the saucepan. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve

Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the sweet oyster sauce until they are well coated. Serve the flavorful meatballs in Boston lettuce leaves, garnished with toasted sesame seeds, chopped red bell pepper, cilantro, green onion, and lime wedges for an extra zing.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you find yourself missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, here are some easy swaps:

• Ground chicken: You can use ground turkey or lean beef for a different flavor.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they may not yield the same texture.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a different sweetener.
• Boston lettuce: Any leafy green, such as romaine or butter lettuce, can work for wraps.

Steer Clear of These

To ensure your Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce turn out perfectly, here are some things to avoid:

• Overmixing the meatball mixture, which can lead to dense meatballs.
• Using stale breadcrumbs, as they won’t provide the desired texture.
• Skipping the seasoning; each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor.
• Not preheating the oven, which can affect cooking time and texture.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These Baked Chicken Meatballs are fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to make them freezer-friendly:

• After baking, allow the meatballs to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, storing them for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 400°F (204°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Ask & Learn

Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.

What can I serve with these meatballs besides lettuce wraps?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even on top of a fresh salad for a lighter option.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accurate results.

Can I make the sweet oyster sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you loved these Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce, you might also enjoy:

• Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Casserole
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Rigatoni
• Mashed Potato And Meatball Casserole

The Last Word

This recipe for Baked Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Oyster Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of juicy meatballs and a rich, sweet sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves creates a delightful dish that your family and friends will love. It’s perfect for gatherings, a quick family dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making these delightful meatballs again and again. Enjoy every bite!