Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs: A Deliciously Spicy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic way to enjoy a lean, flavorful meal with a little extra heat. With their spicy glaze, tender texture, and simple ingredients, these meatballs are sure to please any crowd.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal with a spicy kick, Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs are an excellent choice. This dish brings together lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, and a zesty chili sauce that packs both heat and depth.

Why You’ll Love Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs
🌶️ Spicy and Flavorful
The star of this dish is the chili sauce, which infuses the meatballs with a tangy heat that will make your taste buds dance. The sauce combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, creating the perfect glaze for the turkey meatballs. The heat is balanced with the subtle sweetness of the chili sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience.
🍗 Healthy and Lean
Turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, and using ground turkey in these meatballs makes them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Turkey is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and it’s also low in fat. This means you can indulge in these meatballs without feeling guilty about your waistline.
🥄 Easy to Make
The process for making chili sauce turkey meatballs is simple and quick. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a batch of delicious meatballs ready in no time. Plus, they’re versatile – you can serve them with pasta, rice, or even as sliders for a fun twist on the classic meatball sub.
🍽 Perfect for Meal Prep
These meatballs are perfect for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge and can easily be reheated throughout the week. Whether you’re looking to make a quick lunch or need a dinner option that’s ready in minutes, chili sauce turkey meatballs are an excellent make-ahead choice.
Ingredients for Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (to add sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs

1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a uniform mixture.
2️⃣ Form the Meatballs
Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get around 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier.
3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook them in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
4️⃣ Prepare the Chili Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Glaze the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are cooked, reduce the heat and pour the chili sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce to coat them evenly, letting them simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors meld together.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chili sauce turkey meatballs hot, either on their own or alongside your favorite side dishes. They also make an excellent topping for pasta or rice, or you can place them in sliders for a fun twist on a classic sandwich.
Tips for the Perfect Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs
🌶️ Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the chili sauce. On the other hand, if you like it hot, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
🍯 Sweeten to Taste
The honey or brown sugar in the sauce adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, depending on how sweet or tangy you like your chili sauce.
🥄 Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the meatballs, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking them in batches ensures that they cook evenly and become crisp on the outside, creating the perfect texture.
🍽 Serve with Sides
For a complete meal, pair the chili sauce turkey meatballs with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or some fluffy rice. A light drizzle of extra chili sauce on top can add even more flavor!

Chili Sauce Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb 450g ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- For the Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chili sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust for desired heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully combined, but avoid overworking the mixture to ensure the meatballs stay tender.
- 2️⃣ Form the Meatballs
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture is too sticky. Continue until all the meatballs are formed (about 18-20 meatballs).
- 3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook them in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- 4️⃣ Make the Chili Sauce
- While the meatballs are cooking, combine the chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- 5️⃣ Coat the Meatballs in Sauce
- Once the meatballs are cooked, reduce the heat and pour the chili sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce, letting them simmer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chili sauce turkey meatballs hot, on their own or with rice, pasta, or a side salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor, if desired. Enjoy!