Description
Delicious and irresistible Cherry-Coded Cranberry BBQ Meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or sweet cherry jam
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light greasing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently mix until all ingredients are just incorporated.
- Using slightly dampened hands, shape the mixture into 24 uniformly sized meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and have developed a light golden exterior.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, cherry preserves, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
- Carefully transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the sauce. Gently toss to ensure each meatball is thoroughly coated. Allow to simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the meatballs hot. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for an attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg