Whole30 & Paleo-Friendly
A savory and flavorful dish, these Japanese-inspired grilled chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a delicious glaze. Perfect for a healthy appetizer or main course!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground chicken thighs
- 1½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use ¾ teaspoon fine-grain salt if substituting)
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 scallions, minced
- 1 medium shallot, minced
- 1 dried shiitake mushroom
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or another high-heat cooking oil)
- ⅓ cup All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, sesame oil, minced scallions, and shallot. Grate the dried shiitake mushroom using a microplane and add to the mixture. - Knead the Mixture:
Use your hands to knead the mixture until it becomes sticky and tacky. - Taste Test:
Cook a small patty in a skillet, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps make the mixture easier to shape. - Preheat the Oven:
Turn on the broiler and position the oven rack 6 inches from the heating element. Grease a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan with avocado oil. - Shape the Meatballs:
Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball using a disher or spoon. Roll into uniform balls with oiled hands and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. - Broil the Meatballs:
Broil for 2 minutes. Brush the meatballs with All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce and rotate the tray 180°. Repeat this step twice, basting the meatballs three times in total and broiling for a total of 8 minutes. - Check Doneness:
The meatballs are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid overcooking. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking Times: Depending on your broiler’s intensity, the meatballs may cook faster or slower. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook meatballs at 400°F in an air fryer, following the basting steps as outlined.
- Make-Ahead: The meatball mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 309
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
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