Honey-Glazed Lemon Habanero Chicken Meatballs

Honey-Glazed Lemon Habanero Chicken Meatballs

Bring together the bright, citrusy punch and subtle kick of MJD Apiary's Lemon Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey in this easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. These savory meatballs balance sweet heat with herbaceous notes, making them ideal for game days, parties, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 green onions, finely sliced

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Lemon Habanero Glaze

• 1/3 cup MJD Apiary Lemon Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (slurry)

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped fresh cilantro or green onion slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined (overmixing can make the meatballs tough).

3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 18 to 20 total) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside (internal temperature of 165°F).

2. Simmer the Glaze

1. While the meatballs are baking, combine the Lemon Habanero Infused KICKIN Honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

3. Coat and Serve

1. Transfer the baked meatballs directly into the saucepan with the warm glaze, tossing gently until every meatball is thoroughly coated.

2. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve warm with toothpicks.

Pro Tip: Want to turn these into a full spread? Serve them alongside a small bowl of extra Lemon Habanero honey for dipping, or pair them with crisp cucumber slices to cool down the habanero spice!