Save This tangy Cherry-Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs recipe transforms ordinary ground chicken into an extraordinary appetizer or main dish. The sweet-tart sauce creates a perfect glaze that keeps these meatballs juicy while adding layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
The first time I made these meatballs was for a last-minute holiday gathering. I was scrambling for something festive yet easy, and these became an instant hit. Now they're requested at every family celebration, and I always keep the ingredients on hand for impromptu dinner parties.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: Ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to beef with a mild flavor that beautifully showcases the glaze
- Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture while keeping the meatballs tender
- Fresh garlic and onion: create an aromatic base that enhances the chicken
- Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smokiness that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly
- For the Cherry-Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Cranberry sauce brings tartness and beautiful color look for whole berry for extra texture
- Cherry preserves: add natural sweetness and depth choose a high quality brand with visible fruit pieces
- Apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness with necessary acidity
- Brown sugar: caramelizes slightly during cooking creating complex flavor notes
- Worcestershire sauce: provides umami depth that makes the sauce taste like it simmered all day
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before handling raw chicken ensures food safety and smoother preparation. I recommend gathering all ingredients measured and ready to go.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl using clean hands or a fork. The key here is to mix just until combined about 30 seconds of gentle folding. Overmixing will result in dense tough meatballs so stop as soon as ingredients are incorporated.
- Form Perfect Meatballs:
- Dampen your hands slightly with cold water before rolling the mixture into 24 evenly sized balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The water prevents sticking and helps create a smooth surface. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with about an inch between each meatball.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the meatballs in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Look for a light golden color and internal temperature of 165°F. The initial baking helps the meatballs hold their shape before being added to the sauce.
- Create the Signature Sauce:
- While the meatballs bake combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching especially as the sugars begin to dissolve. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Marry the Flavors:
- Transfer the baked meatballs directly into the simmering sauce using tongs or a slotted spoon. Gently roll them to coat completely ensuring each meatball is glistening with that beautiful ruby glaze. Let them simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the sauce to penetrate slightly.
Save My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the cherry preserves. I discovered it by accident when I ran short on cranberry sauce one Thanksgiving and needed to stretch the glaze for some leftover turkey meatballs. The cherry adds a depth that cranberry alone can't achieve, and creates this gorgeous ruby color that makes these meatballs absolutely irresistible.
Make-Ahead Magic
These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs through the baking stage up to two days ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made separately and refrigerated. When ready to serve simply reheat the sauce gently add the precooked meatballs and simmer until everything is hot and the flavors have melded about 10 minutes.
For even longer storage you can freeze the baked unsauced meatballs for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the sauce. The complete sauced meatballs can be frozen for up to one month though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute for chicken with virtually no difference in the final result. For a pork version use half ground pork and half chicken for extra juiciness.
For the sauce lingonberry preserves can replace cranberry sauce for a Scandinavian twist. Blackberry or raspberry jam can substitute for cherry preserves though the flavor profile will shift slightly more tart.
If you need a gluten free version replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten free ones or crushed rice crackers. For those avoiding eggs a flax egg 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water works wonderfully as a binder.
Serving Suggestions
As an appetizer serve these meatballs in a chafing dish with decorative toothpicks alongside. The sauce keeps them warm and moist throughout a party. For an elegant presentation sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley and arrange on a white platter with cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish.
For a main course serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the meatballs.
These meatballs also make excellent sliders. Split small dinner rolls place 1 to 2 meatballs inside and drizzle with extra sauce. Top with a thin slice of pickled red onion for a colorful contrast that cuts through the richness.
Save Recipe FAQ
- → What proteins work best for these meatballs?
Ground chicken is ideal for tenderness, but ground turkey can be substituted for a lean alternative.
- → How can I adjust the sauce’s sweetness or tanginess?
Increase brown sugar for added sweetness, or add extra apple cider vinegar for more tang. Taste and adjust as you simmer.
- → Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to meet gluten-free needs.
- → What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?
Serve as bite-sized appetizers using toothpicks or as a main dish paired with rice, potatoes, or salad.
- → How spicy is the cherry-cranberry sauce?
The sauce is mildly spiced, but you can add more cayenne to suit your preferred heat level.
- → What wine pairs well with these meatballs?
A fruity red wine, such as Pinot Noir, complements the sweet and tangy flavors effectively.