Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Cherry-Coded Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are a sweet and tangy fusion of flavors featuring juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a rich cherry-cranberry BBQ sauce. Perfect for holidays or party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Bake, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
-
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- For the Cherry-Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape into 24 evenly sized meatballs with slightly damp hands and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: combine cranberry sauce, cherry jam, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Increase cayenne for extra heat.
- Great as an appetizer or main dish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://asilrecipes.com/cranberry-bbq-meatballs/