Sweet, tangy, and a little smoky these Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs are the kind of chicken appetizer that disappears fast at any holiday party. Juicy chicken meatballs coated in sticky cranberry barbecue glaze, they are easy to make ahead and perfect for your next Christmas potluck or cozy winter dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor that everyone loves.
- Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy to reheat or make ahead for holiday party recipes.
Ingredients
Each ingredient here helps balance the rich BBQ flavor with cranberry’s brightness.
- Ground chicken: Light, juicy, and absorbs flavor beautifully.
- BBQ sauce: Adds smokiness and sweetness for that classic comfort taste.
- Cranberry sauce: Gives a festive tangy glaze and beautiful shine.
- Garlic powder: Brings depth and warmth to the meatballs.
- Bread crumbs: Keeps them soft and tender inside.
- Egg: Helps everything stick together perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Balance the sweetness with savory notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your meatballs juicy and flavorful every time.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them evenly on the sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a saucepan until smooth and glossy. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Do not overmix the chicken or the meatballs will turn tough.
- Skip the temptation to use raw cranberry sauce it must be cooked to blend well with BBQ flavor.
- Do not overcrowd your pan; let each cranberry BBQ chicken meatball brown evenly.
Pro Tips
- Chill your mixture for 10 minutes before shaping it helps the meatballs hold their form.
- For a smoky kick, add a few drops of liquid smoke or chipotle powder to your sauce.
- Double the batch because these make ahead appetizers freeze beautifully.
- Reheat gently in a slow cooker for holiday parties it keeps them moist and warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sticky meatballs warm on toothpicks for easy festive finger foods. Pair them with soft rolls, or plate them alongside creamy dips like hot spinach dip. For a stunning table spread, arrange next to cranberry brie puff pastry trees for a cozy Christmas buffet look.
Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cranberry BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, warm the BBQ sauce and cranberry sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and glossy.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the warm cranberry BBQ glaze until fully coated and serve warm.
Notes
- Chill the meatball mixture for easier shaping.
- These meatballs freeze well reheat in a slow cooker for best texture.
- Add chipotle or liquid smoke for a smoky twist.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a saucepan with the cranberry BBQ glaze or in a slow cooker on low. This makes them one of the easiest make ahead appetizers for busy holidays.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce — something smoky pairs best with the cranberry sweetness. If you like spice, try adding a dash of hot sauce or chipotle to create a deeper flavor perfect for any chicken appetizer table.
Can I freeze Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or simmer gently in sauce. This tip saves time and keeps them ready for any Christmas potluck or last-minute holiday party recipes.
Conclusion
Sticky, sweet, and just the right touch of tangy, these Cranberry BBQ Chicken Meatballs bring joy to every table. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and make it part of your holiday cooking tradition it’s one bite everyone will remember.
