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Delicious firecracker chicken meatballs with cilantro coconut pineapple rice, garnished with fresh herbs.
Alyssa

Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

Incredible firecracker chicken meatballs made with flavorful spices and served with a creamy cilantro coconut pineapple rice.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 582

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken (or lean ground turkey)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs if GF, sub gluten free panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 medium green onions, very finely diced
  • cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • ½ tablespoon hot sauce of choice Sriracha, Cholula or Green Tabasco recommended
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
  • 1 ½ tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups jasmine or basmati white rice
  • 1 15 ounce can coconut milk full fat or lite will work
  • 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
  • sliced green onion (green part of green onion only)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, hot sauce, soy sauce, coconut sugar, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and black pepper. Use clean hands to mix and form into 16 golf ball sized meatballs.
  3. Place a large dutch oven (or 3.5 quart braiser) over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add in the coconut milk, chicken broth and pineapple; stir in the rice and bell pepper until evenly coated, then add the meatballs back in, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover the pan, transfer to the oven, and bake until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven, add cilantro over rice and meatballs. Serve immediately. Garnish with scallions and serve with hot sauce.

Notes

These healthy firecracker chicken meatballs are spicy, sweet, savory and make an incredible one pan meal.