Sweet Chili Meatballs – Sticky, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sweet, spicy, and full of flavor? These Sweet Chili Meatballs are glazed in a glossy homemade sauce that’s the perfect balance of heat from sriracha (optional), sweetness from honey or chili sauce, and savory depth. Made with simple ground meat, they’re juicy on the inside and coated in that addictive sticky glaze—ideal for appetizers, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Whether baked, air-fried, or pan-seared, this versatile sweet chili glazed meatballs recipe delivers restaurant-style results at home in under 30 minutes active time.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Sticky glaze perfection: Sweet chili sauce + honey + soy = irresistible coating.
- Customizable protein: Use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Quick cooking options: Oven, air fryer, or stovetop.
- Great for parties, game day, or family meals.
- Make-ahead friendly—prep meatballs or sauce in advance.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6 as main, 8–10 as appetizer)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork, chicken, turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- ¾ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for nutty aroma)
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust for desired heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
Roll into 1½-inch balls (about golf ball size) and place on a lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
2. Cook the Meatballs
- Oven: Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef/pork or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
- Air Fryer: Cook 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway for even browning.
- Pan-sear: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high; brown on all sides, then cover and cook through (about 10–12 minutes total).
3. Make the Sweet Chili Sauce
While meatballs cook, combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Glaze and Serve
Add cooked meatballs to the sauce pan. Toss gently until fully coated and sticky.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: Approximately 350–450 kcal per serving (varies by meat and portion)
Serving Ideas
- Over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal
- As party appetizers with toothpicks
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
- Alongside roasted vegetables or stir-fried veggies
- Upgrade with crushed pineapple in the sauce for tropical sweetness
Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Use panko for lighter, crispier texture.
- For extra glaze, double the sauce recipe.
- Make ahead: Form meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freezer-friendly: Cooked glazed meatballs freeze well—reheat in sauce.
- Adjust heat: Skip sriracha for mild, or add more for fiery kick.
These sticky sweet chili meatballs are sweet, spicy, savory perfection—once you try them, they’ll be on repeat!
