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Savory Fruity Chicken Meatballs with Honey Glaze – Best Easy Recipe

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These savory fruity chicken meatballs with honey glaze are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground chicken, dried apricots, and a sticky honey glaze, they’re a crowd-pleasing comfort food reimagined.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean)
  • ½ cup dried apricots, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop ½ cup of dried apricots into small pieces (about pea-sized). If using dried cranberries or raisins, leave them whole. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, chopped dried fruit, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls (about golf ball size). You should get around 16-18 meatballs. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture feels sticky.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the meatballs in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  5. While the meatballs cook, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  6. Once the meatballs are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the honey glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat. Let them simmer in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and clings to each meatball.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for 2 minutes. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.

Notes

Don’t skip the cinnamon—it adds subtle warmth. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Double the glaze if you like extra sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, honey glaze, dried apricots, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory sweet, ground chicken

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/savory-fruity-chicken-meatballs-with-honey-glaze-best-easy-recipe/