Chicken Meatballs with Chipotle-Honey Sauce – a saucy and sassy chicken meatball recipe you’ll serve again and again. Every bite is packed with flavor making them the perfect choice for game day, holidays or a Friday night.
These chipotle chicken meatballs are a crowd pleasing recipe. The sweetness of the honey tames the spicy chipotle, making these honey chipotle meatballs the perfect match for varying taste buds.
Using ground chicken also gives you a break on calories, but you can use any type of ground meat you choose. These sweet and spicy meatballs are great for game day, but they fit into any occasion where tasty finger food is a requirement.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing meatball recipe.
- The combo of sweet honey and spicy chipotle creates a delicious balance of flavors.
- Using ground chicken makes it a lighter option.
I enjoy the versatility of chipotle flavor – it pairs well with a variety of ingredients and cuisines. If you also love it, give my chipotle beef tostadas a try, or make a batch of these chipotle chicken bites for your next taco night. If it’s chilly out, make a bowl of this chipotle tomato soup and serve it with a side of grilled cheese. These soup-sized turkey chipotle meatballs are perfect in a steaming bowl of soup.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Plain, dry bread crumbs: (not Panko) and without any seasoning. You could make your own, just make sure they are finely ground.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These are found in the Hispanic section of the supermarket and are used to flavor the meatballs and the sauce.
- Table salt: Flavor enhancement.
- Vegetable oil: Can also use canola oil or any flavorless oil you have.
- Honey: Clover honey works well. You could also use hot honey for even more flavor.
- Chicken broth: I recommend using a low-sodium version.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Do not use regular yellow mustard.
- Ground chicken: Use any type of ground meat you prefer, but chicken goes really well with the sauce and keeps it light.
- Eggs: Used as a binder.
- Fresh cilantro: You can use parsley if you prefer.
- Lime juice: Fresh only for the best flavor.
- Garlic: For more flavor.
How To Make This Recipe
- Step one: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Step two: Mix ground chicken with eggs, bread crumbs, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Step three: Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape the chicken mixture into 48 meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheets. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step four: In a food processor or blender, blend honey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chicken broth, tomato paste, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and salt until smooth.
- Step five: Take the meatballs from the fridge and lightly brush them with vegetable oil. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes on both trays.
- Step six: Take the trays out of the oven and transfer meatballs to a baking dish. Coat the meatballs with Chipotle-Honey Sauce by brushing them with oil.
- Step seven: Bake until meatballs are heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to form the meatballs into a consistent size for even cooking.
- Letting the meatballs chill for an hour helps them hold their shape and enhances flavors.
- Brushing the meatballs with vegetable oil before baking is what adds the golden and crispy texture.
- Consider serving extra Chipotle-Honey Sauce on the side for dipping.
- These meatballs can be turned into a main dish by serving with rice and a veggie in a bowl.
- The chipotle meatballs also make great sub sandwiches, just add cheese and tuck in between bread.
What If These Honey Chipotle Meatballs Are Too Spicy For Me?
If the sauce is too spicy, increase the amount of honey or initially decrease the amount of chiles.
Make sure your tasting the sauce while making it. Feel free to add or subtract any ingredients at any point, making sure not to add any of the seeds from the chipotle peppers.
Can I Make These Ground Chicken Meatballs Ahead Of Time?
Yes, these chicken meatballs can easily be made ahead of time.
Make sure you have let the meatballs completely cool. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Reheat these meatballs in a saucepan, on the stove, or place them in a slow cooker on warm.
Can I Make A Double Batch of Chipotle Meatballs?
I have found making a second batch is best if made completely separately.
A second batch is not impossible to do together, but you have to be really careful to not overwork the meat when working in that volume. I’ve had better results just starting over.
More Meatball Recipes
- Hawaiian Meatballs
- Mini Turkey Meatballs
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Cocktail Meatball Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
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Chicken Meatballs with Chipotle-Honey Sauce
Equipment
- food processor or blender
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 lbs. ground chicken
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup plain, dry bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (4 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce divided
- 1 tsp table salt
- vegetable oil
Chipotle-Honey Sauce:
- 3/4 cup clover honey
- 2-3 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (leftover from the meatballs)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsps Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp table salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Combine ground chicken, eggs, bread crumbs, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, 1 Tablespoon of adobo sauce and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well.2 lbs. ground chicken, 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, 1/3 cup plain, dry bread crumbs, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, 2 tbsps fresh lime juice, 4 cloves garlic, crushed, 1 (4 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tsp table salt
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and form chicken mixture into 48 meatballs. Place the meatballs on the baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap; chill 1 hour. While the meatballs are chilling, make the sauce.
- In a food processor or blender combine honey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chicken broth, tomato paste, lime juice, Dijon mustard and salt. Process until smooth. Set aside.3/4 cup clover honey, 2-3 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1/3 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup tomato paste, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tsps Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp table salt
- Remove meatballs from the refrigerator and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Bake both trays in the oven for 12 minutes.vegetable oil
- Remove the trays from the oven and place meatballs in a baking dish. Add Chipotle-Honey Sauce and brush the meatballs until they are coated.
- Bake another 12-15 minutes until meatballs are heated through and glazed with sauce.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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deeba says
Cathy you just ROCK!!! Now you got me thinking…
Pigpigscorner says
They look soooooo mouth-watering! THey chipotle honey sauce sounds amazing!
Jamie says
These look absolutely outrageous! I have to have these! Beautiful! Talk about drooling over a food photo! But what if I can’t find the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? Help!
RobinSue says
Ok that lone meatball on its own teeny tiny plate is the cutest! Love the flavors in this recipe!
EAT! says
OOOOH that meatball is just waiting to be eaten. But can you eat just one?
kayola says
Shuuuuuuut UP!!! That is awesome…who wouldn’t want to try for $250.00? I will find a recipe and give it my best shot….and hopefully score a touchdown…SERIOUSLY! You are so coooooooool for Sam’s Club to even approach you with this idea…awesome!
MArcy says
Oh those look yummy. There isn’t alot of ground chicken around the stores here, so I’m wondering can you substiture ground turkey or pork? let me know and I will be mailing you a recipe for the onctest! have a great day Cathy!
Barbie with a T says
What a fun thing to do! Thanks for thinking of your readers once again. And those chicken meatballs look divine! Anything with cilantro just tickles my tastebuds anyway. I am looking forward to those finalists recipes and your photos!
Mental P Mama says
I could eat those puppies right now. For breakfast.
Fun House Jennifer says
Sounds like a plan!
OMG those meatballs–must have them soon!
Jennifer says
Those meatballs look so good. Definitely a great game time food!
Asthmagirl says
My recipe will be on it’s way as soon as I can type it up!
Laurie says
What a great contest, Cathy! I’ve got to get experimenting to see if I can come up with something that looks half as good as your meatballs.
Your fence story is quite compelling. I would be annoyed too, but that sunset was simply gorgeous.
Laura says
Great idea oh great and noble pig.
Too bad I have no great recipes to share…but I will be on the lookout for your picks!!! Can’t wait.
Mary says
That chipotle sauce sounds other worldly and its color is magnificant. One a scale of 1 to 10 these are a definite wow.
Leah - Chef Maven says
This project and contest sounds fantastic Cathy – and how you got them to do this for you, is something to point out – it is really amazing – it goes to show you, your hard work on this very blog is seriously giving you bonus brownie points, credit, kudos, public acknowledgment, increased readership, and so much more – I will not only send you one of my recipes, I will tell me friends about your new contest – thank you!
tipper says
Wow you are on fire today-a great recipe and 250 bucks!
Alisa says
Oooh! Good luck everyone, I can’t wait to see the winning recipes.
Natasha Price says
I love the chipotle-honey sauce on those meatballs! Delicious!
For the superball recipes, are you mostly looking for appetizers/snacks that can be passed around?
Liz C. says
We’re going to a Super Bowl party and I’m taking these! No one ever brings anything like this, so it should be a huge hit.
I’ll send you my recipe for the contest.
ELRA says
Cathy, this look so delicious. I always like the robust taste of the cipotle, and such a superb idea using ground chicken instead of ground beef.
I am afraid I can not promise you that I’ll participate this time. I might, but I don’t want to promise. We’ll see, K?
Gwen says
Mmm! Those sound delicious! I’ve been looking for some more spicy recipes. I may have to wait for a party to serve these, my young kids aren’t this adventurous.
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
This is a winner as this is a wonderful change from the traditional and sometime boring “meatball” I have really started to use chipotle in a number of dishes and am now totally hooked!!
What a great contest “Game On” recipe coming your way
Deborah says
I really want to make these for the superbowl, but seeing that I am due on Sunday, and hopefully this baby will come before then – I don’t think I’ll be in the kitchen! But they do look delicious, and I can always find a good reason to make a good meatball!
Debbie in CA : ) says
I’ll pass on the gift card. (What’s a Sam’s Club? We don’t have one of those around here . . . uh . . . we have Kmart. Period! UGH!) But I will scarf up this recipe. (It looks like a million bucks!) Rachel is a whiz in the kitchen and meatballs are a particular delight of hers. : D
Dallas from Bitchin'Kitchen says
Hi There!
This is my first time coming across your site, and since I was greeted by a picture of meatballs, I will definitely be back.
Are Canadians eligible for this contest?
sarah says
I am allergic to cilantro. It tastes like soapy dish water to me–very unpleasant.
Would any other herbs work well to substitute?
This recipe looks amazing!
Kristy - Where's My Damn Answer says
ok …. here you go adding more to my plate – haha.
Guess I’ll need to go through my recipes and figure out one that is ALL mine to enter.
The Duo Dishes says
Chicken, honey, chipotle, tacky toothpicks!!!! Touchdown!
Lisa says
Recipe sent to your email. Thanks for doing this Cathy!
Cathy says
I would just use flat-leaf parsley.
Cathy says
Yes.
Cathy says
Yes, food that is easily eaten when sitting around a coffee table or standing up in the kitchen. Definitely not sit down entrĂƒÂ©e type dishes.
deeba says
Ooooh nobility, thy are a sweetheart! Looks amazing!
Bob says
I don’t really do the Super Bowl, but it will be fun to see whats what. Those meatballs look wicked good! đŸ™‚
Marjie says
Well, I just love appetizer sorts of food. Easy to make is the best stuff of all, isn’t it? And of course, what fun is finger food without those ticky tacky toothpicks?
Marlene says
I just love those meatballs and will be adding them to my party list…I can actually eat some of these!
Love you so much!
Marlene
dawn says
Wow, how amazing that they contacted you! I am sending you my recipe and can I enter more than one? Thanks for doing this!
Cathy says
Yes, you can.
Cathy says
Yes, substituting the meat would work just fine.
grace says
what does the super bowl mean to me?
an essay, by grace
FOOD. đŸ™‚
Julie says
I’ve never had chicken meatballs. They look tasty! I’ll have to see if my brain can come up with an original recipe. Think, think, think.
HĂƒÆ’Ă‚Â©lĂƒÆ’Ă‚Â¨ne says
What a great recipe. The boys would love it during the Super Bowl.
KathyB. says
I think I am going to have to start another 3 ring binder cook book and label it NOBLE PIG, because my current 3-ring is full of your recipes ( ones we have tried and will use again)and now I have to add another one, this one ! Looks scrumptious. BTW, where in the world can you buy pomegranate seeds without buying a pomegranate?
Maybe I will have my Hubby submit a recipe…..
Auds at Barking Mad says
Oh the pressure!
I don’t know that I have anything good enough to submit. I’ll have to look through the old recipe box and see what I can come up with. Or maybe I’ll just sit back and enjoy whoever wins this thing. I am just no good under pressure. *lol*
BTW, the meatballs look amazing!
Biz says
I like all kinds of balls! hee hee!
I am definitely going to enter this contest – I need king crab legs and Sam’s are so good!!
Now I have to put my thinking cap on!
Loving Annie says
Drool !
I’m too lazy to enter, but it’s a lovely thing you’re doing with that !
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
Delicious. I love chipotles and my husband would actually eat these becaue they’re made of chicken. It’s a win-win recipe. Now we just need to have a party (although who said one needs to have a party to enjoy cocktail meatballs?)
Hang in there with the fence thing. I see a light at the end of the tunnel (and no it’s not an oncoming train).
Rebel says
This sounds like a great contest. Are you goin’ to let us see all the recipes entered? It’s always great to see new recipes.
Lo! says
Fun stuff, Cathy…these sound amazing!
Marie says
I would pick these meatballs as the winner, they look so good!!
Karen Deborah says
That one made my saliva glands over excrete quite literally,…humm she drools, not good. I will try to think of something if I can find some clothes that aren’t see though.
Pam says
Only you could leave me drooling for meatballs at 11:00 pm. They look fantastic Cathy. I’ll be thinking of some tasty recipes to send to you.
we are never full says
your chipotle meatballs look hard to beat.
Blond Duck says
These look so good! I’m glad your comments are working again! I couldn’t leave one the other day!
RecipeGirl says
Hey Cathy- we have the same contest going on! They contacted me too… good deal to get $250, eh?
Cheryl says
FAN-FREAKIN’-TASTIC!!! Your recipe, the Sam’s Club giveaway…you in general!
(Does a six-pack count as a recipe? đŸ˜‰ Wonder if I can come up with something more legit…)
And thank you ever so for your kind words yesterday…means a tremendous amount. đŸ™‚
Marc @ NoRecipes says
Sounds like fun, I’ve sent my entry in:-) I’m not much of a football fan (does that disqualify me from entering?) but your meatballs are making me want to throw a Superbowl party.
Scary Mommy says
Those look so fabulous!!! I’ll need to give this some thought- what an awesome prize!!!
Christine says
These meatballs are great for any party, not just the Super Bowl.
Your photographs and the step by step instructions are great.
Sandie says
Who cares about the big game when you could have snacks like these to nibble on?!
kellypea says
Always a fun time going on over here, don’t you? My tastebuds are all tweaked out over those balls up there. Yummers!
Sharon says
What a tasty recipe!
Hungry Gal says
I have a can of chipotle peppers sitting in my pantry just waiting for a worthy recipe like this one. Must check this out!
Psychgrad says
Wow – $250 for an event. Sweet. I can’t wait to see the results. I’m going to need some idea for Sunday.
I also like the meatballs. My meatball repetoire is pretty depressing but I have some chipotles that I want to use up – so this looks great.
imbeingheldhostage says
wow! What great meatballs . I SO wish my mind worked like yours with creating recipes. I cook, but it’s all at someone else’s experience.
Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says
Those meatballs look terrific! They would definitely be a big hit on any buffet table!
Jessica says
This is a great article
Danielle says
I had a lot of catching up to do on your site…been out with the sickies…and now I have like 10 new recipes I have to make now! Seriously, I don’t think there has been anything posted that I didn’t want to eat! You’re killing me…it’s wonderful, but it’s gonna kill me, eventually. đŸ˜‰
Corporate Gifts says
Wow very yummy!
PA says
I found your blog through foodgawker and made these honey-chipotle meatballs for my superbowl party tonight. They were delicious! Everybody loved them, and there wasn’t a single one left at the end of the night. Thanks so much for the recipe!!
Satchell says
Made these last night, AWESOME!!! The kid (7) devoured them. Thanks for the great recipe.
Ruth says
I made these the other week for dinner with a side of mashed potatoes so I wouldn’t miss any of the yummy sauce. My boyfriend said these are the best meatballs he has ever had, Thanks so sharing this amazing recipe
pearl drop earrings says
I love the way you present these stuff. Its very neat and step by step instructions are marvelous.
hotel madrid says
This is so cool. I am so eager to eat these mouth watering stuff.
Renesue says
I just made these….truly scrumptious and VERY spicy! But Im a wuss when it comes to spicy soooo…
Mika says
hi this is my first time on your blog, linked by ‘for the love of cooking’!! These meatballs look amazing, I’m not a cook but I think I would be capable of making these deliciously looking meatballs for a new year’s party potluck! The guests cannot eat beef or pork so this would be perfect! are the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce available in most grocery stores? (I live in Canada)
NFL jersey says
I made these the other week for dinner with a side of mashed potatoes so I wouldn’t miss any of the yummy sauce. My boyfriend said these are the best meatballs he has ever had, Thanks so sharing this amazing recipe
mrsblocko says
I made this recipe. This is a great recipe for parties that you can keep warm in a crockpot. Thank you!
custom papers says
I have tried chicken meatballs with chipotle-honey sauce and it was AWSOME!!!
LAURA says
These were the best!
Brad says
Made these today, and I have to say that the recipe was easily replicated and things worked very well. I have to admit that I split the recipe in half, and made Asian version by substituting the chipotle in the meat mixture with soy sauce and ginger, then sauced them with San-J Polynesian glaze. They were Fantastic!
John says
I’m a “ghost reader” I never comment but I with this wonderfull post I can not be indifirent. Good post!!!
Bonus Codes says
Good post and a fantastic read. You have raised some valid points. Great work, keep it up. I love returning back to this site and reading the quality content you always have on offer.
chicadee says
Made these chipotle meatballs for an Academy Awards Party today.They were a big hit. Everyone loved them. Yum!! Thanks for the recipe.
Essay Writing says
I might, but I don’t want to promise. We’ll see, K?
jen says
these chipotle meatballs were amazing.
PMP Training says
Oh My God. That’s so looking delicious.
Lindsay says
Any idea how many calories there are in this?/nutritional info
LAUREN KELLY says
I have made these a few times and my family goes crazy for these! Thanks for this yummy recipe!
Toni says
This was a huge hit at my house! Everyone loved these chipotle meatballs.
Wilhelmina says
Holy moly, these chicken meatballs are amazing! The sauce has the perfect sweet and spicy tang and the meatballs are tender and delicious! What a winner!