Skip to Content

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs – take the classic kung pao chicken stir fry and turn it into a fun meatballs dinner.  Chicken meatballs tossed with kung pao sauce and served with rice and veggies for a quick and easy dinner. 

Sometimes getting dinner on the table is just a lot of work, so you might pick up Chinese take out, or order pizza.  Trust me, I get it.  But there are healthier and tastier options that you can make in the same amount of time.

I am all about getting dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.  And if I can do it in 15, even better!  Chow Mein Noodles are ready in 15 minutes, and so much better than any take out you can get.  Or Garlic Beef Noodle Bowls, which is another 15 minute dinner the whole family will love.

Kung pao chicken meatballs on white plate

 

Today we are taking classic Kung Pao Chicken and turning it into meatballs. Meatballs always make dinner more fun.

What is Kung Pao Chicken

Well, kung pao chicken is a Chinese style stir fry that is often spicy.  It is made with chicken, veget, peanuts, and chili peppers. Stir fries come together in just minutes, because everything is chopped small, and cooked over a high heat.  This kung pao chicken meatball version is no exception!  You brown the meatballs, and then just toss in the sauce to serve. I topped them with sesame seeds instead of peanuts – but these Peanut Chicken Meatballs have plenty of peanuts on top, so you could go that route too!

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs - take the classic kung pao chicken stir fry and turn it into a fun meatballs dinner. Chicken meatballs tossed with kung pao sauce and served with rice and veggies for a quick and easy dinner.

My family loves spicy food. My son has quite the spice tolerance, and tends to like things spicier that I do lately!  But you can definitely tame down this recipe, so even your mild spice fans will like it.  Less chili garlic paste will do the trick.  You could start with just a tiny bit and add to your heat level if you are concerned about the heat.

If you want to take a short cut with these chicken meatballs, you can use a little help from the store.  There are a few brands that sell chicken meatballs in the freezer section at the grocery store.  You can pick up a relatively neutral flavored one – you don’t want Italian seasoned or anything like that.  Although, Italian Chicken Meatballs are tasty! The original flavors would work great to just heat and then toss with the kung pao chicken sauce.

Kung pao chicken meatballs with broccoli

Making chicken meatballs from scratch is actually pretty easy.  These call for just a handful of ingredients.  You can get the kids to help with the rolling, and then just bake to cook them through.  I like to bake my chicken meatballs to cut down on the fat.  Cooking them in a skillet means you need a decent amount of oil.  But if that is your favorite way, than go for it!

Serve your kung pao chicken meatballs with a side of rice and may be roasted or steamed vegetable on the side.  A super easy dinner the whole family will love.

Yield: 4

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs

close up kung pao chicken meatballs

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs – take the classic kung pao chicken stir fry and turn it into a fun meatballs dinner.  Chicken meatballs tossed with kung pao sauce and served with rice and veggies for a quick and easy dinner. 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 whole large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 Tablespoon chili garlic paste (more or less to taste)
  • 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
  2. In a mixing bowl add all of the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix well.
  3. Scoop the chicken mixture into about 1 inch size balls, and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165º F.
  4. Meanwhile whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce. Pour into a skillet and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  6. Once meatballs are cooked add them to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
  7. Remvoe from the heat and top with sesame seeds to serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 382Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 169mgSodium 1224mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 32g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a picture on social media!

I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you
never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram 

Did you know there is a Dinners,
Dishes, and Desserts SHOP
? Lots of different E-Books for sale. Or you can buy me a
coffee
to say thanks!

.

Erin S
Follow me
Latest posts by Erin S (see all)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sandra | A Dash of Sanity

Sunday 18th of March 2018

I would love to try this! Looks perfect for parties or an easy weeknight meal!

Karen (Back Road Journal)

Friday 16th of March 2018

Your chicken meatballs sound delicious.

Patricia @ Grab a Plate

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

We're big meatball fans in my house, and I can't wait to try these! The Kung Pao flavors sound sound good -- and how original for meatballs!

Jen

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

This is such a great twist on a take out classic! I love Kung Pao!

Jacque Hastert

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

I am loving everything about this. My fave is Kung Pao so I am sure to love these :)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe