Apple Butter Chicken Meatballs (Sweet and Savory)
These Apple Butter Chicken Meatballs are a delicious combination of tender ground chicken, warm spices, and a rich apple butter glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Baked until juicy and finished in a silky sauce made with apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, they're an easy yet impressive meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a comforting, flavor-packed dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- For the Apple Butter Glaze
- ¾ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.
- Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, whisk together the apple butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a large skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss until every meatball is coated in the glossy apple butter glaze.
- Allow them to simmer for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme before serving.