Ginger-Citrus Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Soy-Lime Sauce
Courtesy of realfoodwithaltitude.com
These juicy chicken bites are packed with fresh herbs, ginger, and savory soy sauce for a bold, Asian-inspired flavor. They’re quick to make, oven-baked (or air-fried), and perfect as an appetizer, meal-prep protein, or weeknight dinner paired with rice or veggies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
1 lb. ground chicken
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 large egg
1 tbsp soy sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Zesty Soy-Lime Sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Juice of ½ lime
½ tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 green onion, thinly sliced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, garlic powder, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Air-fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. - While the meatballs cook, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Serve warm with the soy-lime dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition facts per serving (4 meatballs + ¼ cup sauce, ~160 g):
Calories 210 kcal, Fat 9.5 g, Saturated Fat 2.3 g, Carbohydrates 5.0 g, Dietary Fiber 0.6 g, Sugars 1.2 g, Protein 25.0 g, Sodium 820 mg, Calcium 40 mg, Iron 1.8 mg, Potassium 360 mg, Vitamin C 4.5 mg.