Hey friend! If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor, totally satisfying, and just a little bit fun to eat, then these Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw are definitely going to be your new favorite. The chicken meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with all the BBQ goodness you crave, while the crunchy, tangy slaw adds the perfect fresh contrast. It’s the kind of meal that’ll have you going back for seconds (or maybe thirds, no judgment here!). Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about throwing together some ingredients—it’s about creating a moment of joy with each bite. It’s a perfect meal for so many occasions: a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Here’s why this dish will become your go-to:
Versatile: You can serve these sticky BBQ chicken meatballs as a main dish with a side, or as a party snack that will have everyone asking for more. The slaw is the perfect complement, so you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal in one!
Budget-Friendly: All you need are simple ingredients, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. No fancy stuff required, just real, delicious flavors.
Quick and Easy: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The meatballs come together in no time, and while they’re baking, you can whip up the slaw. It’s a straightforward, stress-free recipe that’ll impress without the hassle.
Customizable: Want to kick up the heat? Add some chili flakes to the BBQ sauce. Looking for a lighter slaw? Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt. There’s room to make this recipe your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: This one’s a guaranteed hit! Whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or just yourself (no shame in that!), these meatballs will leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s simple yet packed with flavor. Let’s break it down:
Ground Chicken: The lean base of these meatballs. Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that BBQ sauce.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them light and tender. They also absorb the delicious BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Egg: The binder that keeps everything together.
BBQ Sauce: The star of the show. Sweet, smoky, and just a little bit tangy. This is what turns ordinary meatballs into something extraordinary.
Cheddar Cheese: A little bit of cheese adds richness and depth to the meatballs, making them even more irresistible.
Broccoli Slaw: Fresh, crunchy, and tangy. The slaw adds a great balance to the rich, sticky meatballs and gives the dish a nice refreshing bite.
Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, this is the perfect base for your slaw dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a little zing and helps balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to enhance the BBQ flavor and balance the tang of the vinegar.
Carrots and Green Onions: They add crunch and color to the slaw, making it both vibrant and tasty.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make magic happen in your kitchen? Let’s dive in:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the meatballs go in.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and shredded cheese. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture or your meatballs might be tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
5. Prepare the Slaw: While the meatballs bake, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the broccoli slaw, shredded carrots, and green onions. Toss everything together until well-coated and crispy.
6. Coat the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Place the meatballs on a plate and serve them alongside the refreshing broccoli slaw. Garnish with extra green onions if you like. Enjoy the sticky, savory goodness!
How to Serve Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
These sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with broccoli slaw are great on their own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, here are a few serving ideas:
Rice: Serve these meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.
Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes would be a perfect side to complement the dish.
Tortillas: For a fun twist, serve the meatballs in soft tortillas like tacos. Add a little extra slaw on top for that crunch!
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes add even more flavor and color to your meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and slaw a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and bake the meatballs when you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the BBQ sauce, or throw in some diced jalapeños to the slaw for a spicy kick.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the slaw with other ingredients like red cabbage, apple slices, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the ground chicken with another meat?
A1: Yes, you can use ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even ground pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you use.
Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake them. This makes for easy meal prep!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the meatballs and slaw separately in airtight containers. The meatballs will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the slaw will stay fresh for about 2 days.
Q4: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs! Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q5: Can I use store-bought slaw mix?
A5: Definitely! Store-bought broccoli slaw or cabbage slaw mix is a great shortcut if you’re in a hurry. Just toss it with your homemade dressing and you’re good to go!
Q6: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
A6: Go for your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether you like sweet, smoky, or tangy, it’s up to you. Just make sure it’s a good quality one that you enjoy.
Q7: How do I make this spicier?
A7: Add some hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Q8: Can I add cheese to the meatballs?
A8: Yes! You can add shredded cheese to the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious.
Q9: Can I serve these meatballs with pasta?
A9: Absolutely! Serve these meatballs with pasta for a comforting, hearty meal. Pasta with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce would be perfect.
Q10: Can I make this a low-carb dish?
A10: Yes, you can! Serve the meatballs with a low-carb slaw (using a sugar-free dressing or even a creamy avocado dressing) and enjoy without the carbs.
Conclusion
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea or need something to wow your guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, delicious, and completely customizable—what more could you ask for? Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy every sticky, saucy bite!
Print
Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw is a quick, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The meatballs are juicy and coated in a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce, while the crisp, creamy slaw adds the perfect refreshing balance.
Ingredients
- Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- rice, for serving
- Broccoli Slaw:
- 1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli slaw
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, garlic, green onions, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the meatballs back into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Garnish with additional green onions.
- For the slaw, place broccoli slaw in a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over the slaw and toss to combine.
- Serve the sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with rice and broccoli slaw.
Notes
- You can make the slaw a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together for even more flavor.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile—spicy, smoky, or sweet!
- Leftover meatballs and slaw make a great meal prep lunch the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (meatballs, rice, and slaw)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg