Tiana Walters 
A healthier version of Chinese take-out all wrapped into fun bite-sized meatballs. Chinese Chicken Meatballs are juicy on the inside, and sticky on the outside. The five-spice powder and homemade teriyaki playfully bounce on your tongue.
These are Whole 30 compliant, gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, grain-free, ALL THE THINGS. Basically, some clean-ass meatballs, you can feel good about eating.
These suckers are filling! I would say about 3-4 meatballs with the spiralized carrots, and I was full!
Use ground chicken thigh for exceptional juiciness
Meal Prep
Chinese Chicken Meatballs are hands down the best and easiest meal prep ever. Here’s why:
- Minimal dishes
- Clean up is a breeze
- Freezer friendly
- Loaded with lean protein
- Lots of delicious flavor options
Air Fryer Meatballs
Yes, I prefer to air-fry these! Yes, it takes less time than the oven! Yes, the outside is crispier!
Baked Meatballs
I tried it both ways, I prefer the air fryer for the outside texture, but the oven works just fine. The meatballs did retain more moisture in the oven.
Freezer Friendly
Cook first, then let cool at rom  temperature. Label and store in a ziplock for six months. When ready to eat, reheat; however, you desire. Some nights I throw them in the microwave, no shame. Still just as good.
Pairings
- These would be fabulous as appetizers served with green onion as a garnish and smothered in teriyaki.
- Spiralized carrots with the featured Homemade Teriyaki was quite lovely.
- Served on crispy lettuce cups with the Almond Sauce from my Thai Almond Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Delicious served over rice or cauliflower rice with a side of sauteed broccoli. Or over noodles, really the sky’s the limit – Think Chinese take out!
Chinese Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Chinese Chicken Meatballs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 lb chicken thigh ground
- 1/4 cup matchstick carrots chopped
- 3 green onion white parts, chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp 5 spice powder
- 3/4 cup almond flour
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 thumb ginger finely grated
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- If baking preheat oven to 350.
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. If mixture is to wet add more almond flour. Form meatballs into golf ball size and lay on parchment. Cook for 15 minutes.
- If using an air fryer preheat to 400 and cook for 8-10 minutes, until temperature is 165 degrees.
Teriyaki Sauce
- Combine all ingredients except arrow root powder to a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to med-high. Make a slurry by removing some contents from the sauce pan into a small bowl. Sprinkle in arrowroot to the small bowl while whisking. Once combined, take the small bowl and pour it slowly back into your sauce pan, whisking the entire time. Once it heats up some it should thicken and become glossy. You know its the right consistency when it sticks to the back of the spoon.
