Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but notice the comforting aroma filling the air—a perfect blend of sweet and tangy that instantly transported me to my favorite family gatherings. Enter my Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs, a deliciously high-protein delight that not only satisfies cravings but also offers the convenience of quick prep. These little gems are wonderfully versatile, making them ideal for everything from busy weeknight dinners to charming appetizers at your next gathering. Imagine them smothered in a glossy maple dijon sauce, coaxing everyone to the table for seconds. Who knew healthy cooking could feel this indulgent? Curious to learn how to create this delicious dish? Let’s dive in! Why Choose Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs? Versatile: This recipe allows for endless adaptations, whether you want to swap chicken for turkey or throw in some zesty herbs like parsley or chives. Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these succulent meatballs ready in no time. Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with high protein yet low in fat, these meatballs offer a guilt-free indulgence. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and tangy maple dijon glaze will have everyone asking for the recipe! For a fun twist, try serving them as sliders or pair them with grains like quinoa for a hearty meal. Ready to enjoy a taste of homemade comfort? Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Ingredients • Everything you need for this delightful dish! For the Meatballs Ground Chicken – A lean protein option that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy; ground turkey is a great substitute if desired. Breadcrumbs – Provides structure and absorbs the flavors; use plain or panko, or opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Egg – Binds the ingredients for a cohesive texture; essential for forming the perfect meatball. Milk – Adds moisture to keep the meatballs moist; swap for non-dairy milk if preferred. Garlic – Freshly minced enhances the flavor profile; don’t skip this for the best taste! Onion – Brings a sweetness and depth that elevates the meatballs. Dijon Mustard – The star of this dish, providing the key tanginess in both the meatballs and the glaze. Maple Syrup – Adds the sweet touch that perfectly balances the flavors; make sure it’s pure maple syrup for authentic taste. Olive Oil – Keeps the mixture moist and aids in the baking process; don’t be shy to add more for greasing! Dried Thyme – Offers a lovely herbal note; if you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those instead. Paprika – Adds color and a mild warmth. Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors. For the Maple Dijon Sauce Dijon Mustard – The backbone of flavor in the sauce, complementing the meatballs wonderfully. Maple Syrup – Ensures the sauce is sweet and adds to the glaze’s consistency. Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides necessary acidity to balance flavors perfectly. Olive Oil – Adds richness to the sauce for a velvety texture. Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These enhance flavor depth and can be adjusted to taste. Now that you have all the ingredients, get ready to make the comforting Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs that everyone will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This will create a non-stick surface for the Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs, ensuring they turn golden and delicious as they bake. Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Step 3: Form the Meatballs With clean hands, scoop out the meat mixture and shape it into 1½-inch meatballs, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows for even cooking and browning. Aim for a uniform size to ensure all the Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs cook at the same rate. Step 4: Bake the Meatballs Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are lightly golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them as they cook, enjoying the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen. Step 5: Prepare the Sauce While the meatballs are baking, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes. This delightful glaze will complement your meatballs perfectly. Step 6: Coat the Meatballs Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm Maple Dijon sauce over the meatballs, and gently toss to coat them evenly. This glaze will enhance the flavor and help each bite burst with that irresistible sweet and tangy goodness. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Serve your Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color. These versatile meatballs are perfect on their own, over creamy mashed potatoes, or as sliders. Gather everyone around the table and watch them come back for seconds! How to Store and Freeze Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: For best results, reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy your Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs again with that delightful glaze! Make Ahead Options These Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the meatball ingredients and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the Maple Dijon sauce up to 3 days ahead; just keep it in a separate container, refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the meatballs according to the recipe instructions, heat the sauce on the stove until warm, and toss them together. This way, you’ll have a quick, healthy meal ready to impress with minimal fuss, just as delicious as when made fresh! What to Serve with Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Picture the warmth of a family dinner as you delight in the sweet and tangy flavor of these succulent meatballs, lovingly coated in a glossy glaze. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce, creating a comforting texture contrast with each bite. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies offers a delightful crunch and vibrant colors, complementing the meatballs’ rich glaze. As they caramelize, their natural sweetness enhances the dish! Quinoa Salad: This wholesome option brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture, adding depth to the meal without being too heavy. Toss with fresh herbs for an extra layer of brightness. Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp and tender nature provides a refreshing balance, while a sprinkle of lemon zest elevates the flavors even more. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the buttery garlic flavor makes it irresistible. Perfect for sopping up any leftover maple dijon sauce! Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crunch and freshness, making it a lovely counterpart to the richness of the meatballs. Sparkling Cider: This bubbly drink mirrors the sweet and tangy essence of the dish, providing a delightful sip between bites that will refresh your palate. Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with warm spices and tender apples, creating a comforting conclusion that’s reminiscent of home. Expert Tips for Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to maintain tender meatballs; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for perfect cooking without drying out. Pure Maple Syrup Only: Choose pure maple syrup over pancake syrup for the best flavor in your Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs. Prep Ahead: For make-ahead convenience, store meatballs and sauce separately; this keeps them moist when you reheat. Flavor Variations: Feel free to add crushed red pepper for spice or fresh herbs for a unique twist that complements the glaze beautifully. Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these meatballs to suit your taste buds! Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for added heat. Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives—their fragrance will elevate your meatballs and add a burst of freshness. Cheesy Indulgence: Integrate shredded cheese into the meat mixture, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a wonderfully rich flavor profile. Vegetable Medley: Toss in finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the mix for extra color, nutrition, and texture—your meatballs will be eye-catching and wholesome. One-Pan Wonder: For a quick meal, arrange root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots around the meatballs on the baking sheet for a delightful one-pan dinner. BBQ Variation: Swap the maple syrup with barbecue sauce for an enticing BBQ twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Honey Glaze: Replace maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness, adding a touch of floral notes to your dish. For more delicious recipes that inspire swaps, you might love to explore Honey Butter Chicken or try our delectable Tandoori Chicken Tikka for a different flavor adventure. Enjoy experimenting! Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs Recipe FAQs What type of ground chicken should I use for the meatballs? I recommend using lean ground chicken for a healthier option, but you could also use ground turkey for a similar taste and texture. Just make sure it’s fresh and not past the expiration date for the best results! How do I store leftover Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs? Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re warmed through—easy peasy! Can I freeze Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs? Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. What should I do if my meatballs end up dry? If you find your meatballs are a bit dry, the mixing process might have been too vigorous. Next time, mix just until combined. If they still come out dry, consider adding a little extra milk or even a touch of chicken broth to the mixture for added moisture. Are Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs suitable for people with allergies? These meatballs can be made allergy-friendly! You can swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options if you need to avoid gluten. Also, check your Dijon mustard for allergens, as some brands can contain wheat. Always read labels to ensure safety! Do I need to use fresh herbs or can I use dried ones instead? While fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor, dried herbs work wonderfully too! If you’re using dried thyme or other herbs, the general rule is to use about 1/3 the amount of dried that you would use fresh. So if the recipe calls for a tablespoon of fresh thyme, use just a teaspoon of dried thyme. Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs: Sweet and Tangy Comfort Bites No ratings yet Maple Dijon Chicken Meatballs are a delicious high-protein delight that satisfies cravings with sweet and tangy flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 22 minutes minsTotal Time 42 minutes mins Servings: 4 meatballsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 lb Ground Chicken or ground turkey as a substitute1 cup Breadcrumbs plain, panko, or gluten-free if needed1 large Egg essential for binding1/4 cup Milk can substitute with non-dairy milk2 cloves Garlic freshly minced1/2 medium Onion finely chopped1/4 cup Dijon Mustard star ingredient for tanginess1/4 cup Maple Syrup ensure it's pure maple syrup2 tbsp Olive Oil for moisture and greasing1 tsp Dried Thyme use fresh if available1/2 tsp Paprika adds color and warmth1 tsp Salt to taste1 tsp Black Pepper to tasteFor the Maple Dijon Sauce1/4 cup Dijon Mustard for sauce1/4 cup Maple Syrup for sweetness2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar for acidity2 tbsp Olive Oil for richness1 tsp Garlic Powder to taste1 tsp Onion Powder to taste Equipment OvenMixing BowlBaking Sheetsaucepan Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes until golden and cooked through.Sauce PreparationWhile meatballs are baking, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan over medium heat.Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.Finishing TouchesCoat the baked meatballs with the warm Maple Dijon sauce in a mixing bowl.Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs. Nutrition Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesAvoid overmixing the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness; store leftover meatballs and sauce separately for best reheating results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
