If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and fresh all in one bite, you’ll absolutely love this Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe. It’s an exciting twist on classic meatballs, combining juicy ground chicken meatballs glazed with a luscious sticky BBQ sauce and paired with a crisp, tangy broccoli slaw. This dish bursts with layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for more, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether for a cozy family dinner or a laid-back gathering with friends.

A clear glass bowl filled with a mix of three layers of shredded vegetables: bright green, thin broccoli stems, orange thin carrot strips, and some thin purple cabbage pieces evenly spread throughout. On top of these vegetables, there is a thick layer of creamy, light beige dressing placed in the center, slightly spreading out but not covering the outer vegetables. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need to create these irresistible Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe are simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

1 pound ground chicken: The perfect lean protein to keep your meatballs tender and moist.
1 large egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind everything together so your meatballs hold their shape.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a punch of savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
2 green onions (thinly sliced, plus more for serving): Brightens the meatballs and adds freshness throughout the dish.
⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs: Gives the right texture and helps keep the meatballs soft but sturdy.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the BBQ sauce.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meatballs beautifully in the skillet.
1 cup BBQ sauce: The star glaze that adds that irresistible sticky, tangy coating.
¼ cup honey: Sweetens the BBQ sauce just enough to balance smoky and tangy notes.
¼ cup water: Helps thin the BBQ sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the meatballs.
Rice (for serving): Fluffy and neutral, it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli slaw: Provides a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the rich meatballs.
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess to the slaw without being heavy.
¼ cup mayo: Helps bind the slaw dressing and adds richness.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the slaw dressing in harmony with the BBQ glaze.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy kick to the slaw.
Kosher salt and pepper: For seasoning the broccoli slaw dressing perfectly.

How to Make Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken with the lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, thinly sliced green onions, seasoned bread crumbs, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined — be careful not to overwork the meat to keep your meatballs tender and juicy. Then, shape the mixture into your preferred size, whether bite-sized or a bit larger for more presence on the plate.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer so they brown evenly and develop that gorgeous golden crust. Turn them carefully to brown all sides; this step locks in flavor and texture. Once they’re nicely browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside for the next step.

Step 3: Create the Sticky BBQ Sauce

Using the same skillet, pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and water. Whisk them together to create a smooth, sticky glaze. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat, cooking for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the simmering sticky BBQ sauce. Cook for several minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to each meatball beautifully. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating, while the sauce caramelizes into its signature sticky texture. Finish with an extra sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli Slaw

While the meatballs cook, place the broccoli slaw in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the broccoli slaw and toss well to coat, ensuring every bite has that creamy, sweet, and tangy crunch.

Step 6: Serve with Rice

Plate the tender Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs alongside fluffy rice and a generous scoop of the vibrant broccoli slaw. This combination gives you the perfect harmony of sticky, savory meatballs, refreshing slaw, and comforting rice!

How to Serve Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Garnishes

To take your Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe to the next level, sprinkle even more thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, oniony pop. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a pleasant kick that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is already brimming with flavors and textures, but pairing it with simple steamed jasmine rice or even quinoa makes for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. You could also offer a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh cucumber salad to add another layer of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these sticky meatballs on toasted slider buns with a dollop of slaw inside for handheld mini sandwiches. Alternatively, stack the meatballs over a bed of cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb feast. Presentation makes all the difference, and this recipe is wonderfully versatile in that regard!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of the Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe, store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the meatballs with sauce in one container and the broccoli slaw in another to maintain their freshness and texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully and make for a quick meal anytime. Place cooked and cooled meatballs with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving the broccoli slaw fresh to prepare when ready to eat. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to loosen them up. Avoid microwaving to maintain their sticky, luscious coating. Refresh the broccoli slaw just before serving for that crisp contrast.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer its flavor or texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey can sometimes cook faster. The sticky BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with turkey meatballs as well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The flavors lean more towards sweet and smoky, but you can easily spice things up by adding cayenne or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkling some on top before serving.

Can I make the broccoli slaw ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the broccoli slaw a few hours in advance, which actually helps the flavors meld nicely. Just give it a quick toss before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any good quality BBQ sauce that you enjoy will work. Choose one with a nice balance of tangy and sweet to complement the honey and smoked paprika in the meatballs. You can even use homemade if you have a favorite recipe!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about these Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe that makes every bite feel like a hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish combines flavors and textures that will become an instant favorite. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how quick and rewarding it is to make, and how absolutely delicious it tastes.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Print Recipe

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Delicious and easy Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs served with a refreshing broccoli slaw and rice. These juicy meatballs are flavored with smoked paprika and garlic, simmered in a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, and paired with a creamy, tangy broccoli slaw for a perfect weeknight meal.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, thinly sliced green onions, seasoned bread crumbs, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into small or large meatballs, according to your preference.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides, turning carefully to maintain their shape. Once browned, remove the meatballs and place them on a plate.
Simmer in BBQ Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and water. Whisk together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about one minute to meld the flavors, then add the meatballs back into the skillet. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for a few minutes more until the sauce thickens and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions before serving.
Prepare the Broccoli Slaw: Place the broccoli slaw in a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayo, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Toss the Slaw: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli slaw and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Plate the sticky BBQ chicken meatballs alongside steamed rice and a generous helping of the creamy broccoli slaw for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if desired.
For gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
If you prefer a spicier BBQ sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Cook the meatballs thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
The broccoli slaw can be made ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld.
Serve with steamed white, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.