Name: Sticky Bbq Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487338H50M32S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish); ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking); 1 cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup water; Cooked rice (type of your choice); 1 (12 oz) bag broccoli slaw mix; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp honey; 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (for slaw)

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Short Description

Savory chicken meatballs glazed in a sticky sweet BBQ sauce, served alongside crisp broccoli slaw and fluffy rice. A quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy ground chicken meatballs coated in a honey-BBQ glaze
Easy one-pan cooking—the sauce and meatballs finish together
Crunchy, tangy broccoli slaw balances sweetness and richness
Fast to make and great for meal prep or casual entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ tsp smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sticky BBQ Sauce

1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water

For Serving

Cooked rice (type of your choice)
Extra sliced green onions

For the Broccoli Slaw

1 (12 oz) bag broccoli slaw mix
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground chicken with the beaten egg, minced garlic, sliced green onions, bread crumbs, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (or larger, if preferred).

Cook and Glaze the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs in a single layer. Brown on all sides, turning gently (about 5–7 minutes total). Once all sides are golden, transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and water. Bring to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the sauce and cook for a few minutes as the sauce thickens. Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Sprinkle with more sliced green onions before serving.

Make the Broccoli Slaw

In a bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until evenly coated.

Serve

Plate rice, then spoon meatballs and sauce over the top. Add a side of broccoli slaw. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Serves 3–4 depending on portion sizes
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cooking time: ~12–15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Protein swap: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
Sauce twist: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or Korean gochujang glaze.
Slaw variation: Add shredded carrots, cabbage, or toasted sesame seeds to slaw.
Spicy kick: Stir in sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze or slaw dressing.
Low-carb version: Serve meatballs and slaw over cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate meatballs and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm meatballs gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep sauce saucy. Serve slaw cold for best texture.

FAQs

Can I bake or air-fry the meatballs instead?

Yes—bake at 400 °F (200 °C) on a lined sheet for ~15–18 minutes or air-fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for ~10–12 minutes, then toss in warmed sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the pan?

Keep heat at medium and stir occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick before meatballs are fully warmed.

Can I replace Greek yogurt in the slaw?

Yes—use all mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt if preferred. Adjust sweetness and acidity accordingly.

Is it safe to use frozen meatballs?

Yes—just thaw completely first or extend cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

Can I prepare these ahead for a gathering?

Absolutely—make meatballs and slaw in advance, store separately, warm meatballs before serving, and toss slaw fresh.

How do I make this meal less sweet?

Reduce honey or use a lower‑sugar BBQ sauce. Add a splash of lime juice to counterbalance.

Are these turkey meatballs suitable for kids?

Yes—mild and tender chicken or turkey meatballs are kid-friendly. You can reduce seasoning or omit spicy paprika.

What garnishes work well for presentation?

Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges for color and flavor.

Can I use homemade breadcrumbs instead of store-bought seasoned ones?

Yes—just make plain breadcrumbs and add extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs.

Conclusion

These sticky BBQ chicken meatballs served with fresh broccoli slaw and rice make a balanced meal: savory, sweet, crisp, and creamy—all in under 30 minutes. Adjustable for heat level and protein type, and perfect for quick dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy!