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#### **For the Glaze**:
– **3 tablespoons honey**: Adds sweetness to the glaze and complements the savory flavors of the meatballs.
– **2 tablespoons soy sauce**: Gives a savory, umami flavor that balances the honey’s sweetness.
– **1 tablespoon ketchup**: Adds tanginess and enhances the flavor.
– **1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar**: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness.
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder**: Enhances the glaze with a mild garlic flavor.
– **1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)**: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the glaze.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. **In a large bowl**, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
3. **Form the meatballs**: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size will ensure they cook evenly and are easy for kids to eat.
4. **Place the meatballs on the baking sheet**, spacing them out evenly to allow air circulation for even cooking.
5. **Bake the meatballs** in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Glaze**
1. **Combine all glaze ingredients** (honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger) in a small saucepan. Stir to combine.
2. **Simmer the glaze** over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
3. **Taste the glaze** and adjust seasoning if needed—add more honey for sweetness, or a bit more soy sauce for saltiness.
#### **Step 3: Coat the Meatballs**
1. Once the meatballs are baked, **remove them from the oven** and transfer them to a large bowl.
2. **Pour the glaze** over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are evenly coated.
3. **Serve** immediately while hot, or serve with a side of vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
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### **Variations to Try**
While this recipe is a crowd-pleaser as is, there are several ways to switch things up and customize it for your family’s tastes.
– **Vegetable Additions**: Incorporate finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini into the meatball mixture for an added nutrient boost. They’ll blend right in, making it a sneaky way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
– **Spicy Kick**: If your kids are open to a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
– **Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs**: For an extra cheesy surprise, place a small cube of mozzarella cheese inside each meatball before baking. The melted cheese will ooze out when your kids bite into the meatballs!
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### **Conclusion**
**Loved this recipe! Whenever they come out of the oven, my kids can’t get enough.** This sentiment perfectly captures the magic of this dish. It’s quick, simple, and loved by kids, making it an ideal choice for busy families who want to serve something that’s both tasty and nutritious. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, sweet and savory glaze, and customizable options ensures that it will be a recipe your family will come back to time and time again.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just looking for a fun new family dinner, these honey-glazed chicken meatballs will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household. Don’t be surprised if your kids start asking for them on a weekly basis—they’re that good!
