Zesty Adobo Chicken Meatballs Recipe: Flavorful Homemade Joy

Tender, juicy chicken meatballs swimming in a rich adobo sauce bring a burst of Filipino flavor to your dinner table.

This adobo chicken meatballs recipe captures the essence of traditional Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.

Garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce create a tangy, deeply savory coating that makes these meatballs irresistible.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spices and comfort.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold, vibrant flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Manila.

Packed with protein and zest, these meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Adobo Chicken Meatballs Why They’re a Favorite

• This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a taste explosion with rich adobo sauce that makes every bite memorable.
• Using just one pan and basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless prep work.
• Kids and adults will love the tender meatballs coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that delivers incredible depth of flavor.
• Perfect for mixing up your dinner routine, these meatballs pair beautifully with rice or low-carb alternatives, making them adaptable to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Adobo Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that creates the base for tender and flavorful meatballs.

• Egg, Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and provide a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical undertone to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a deep umami flavor and salty complexity.
• Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing and browning the meatballs.
• Garlic, Onions, Carrots: These vegetables add depth, sweetness, and aromatic layers to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal note to the sauce.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp flavor and vibrant color to the finished dish.

Equipment for Easy Chicken Meatballs

• Large braising pan or skillet with lid: Essential for cooking and simmering meatballs with sauce.
• Liquid measuring cup: Perfect for accurately mixing adobo sauce ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: Needed for combining ground chicken and seasonings.
• Small scoop or hands: Helps shape uniform meatballs.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing garlic, onions, and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable cutting.

Preparing Adobo Chicken Meatballs at Home

Step 1: Create Meatball Base

Grab a medium bowl and combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended, creating a uniform meatball mixture.

Step 2: Whip Up Adobo Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Shape and Sear Meatballs

Heat a large braising pan over medium heat, adding vegetable oil.

Once the oil is hot, form the meat mixture into round balls using a small scoop or your hands.

Gently place the meatballs into the pan and brown them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden and look opaque.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Push meatballs to one side of the pan.

On the other side, sauté sliced garlic for 1 minute.

Add sliced onions, carrots, and bay leaf around the meatballs.

Step 5: Simmer and Infuse

Pour the prepared adobo sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.

Once the sauce starts simmering, cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.

Let everything cook together for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Reduce and Thicken

Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high.

Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.

Serve hot alongside rice or cauliflower rice for a delicious meal.

Tips for Tender Adobo Chicken Meatballs

• Mix meatball ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning and texture throughout the chicken mixture.
• Brown meatballs on all sides to lock in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior before braising.
• Watch sauce carefully during final reduction, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve perfect consistency.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version of these adobo chicken meatballs.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create a more hearty meal.

Chicken Meatball Variations with Adobo Flair

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative, maintaining similar seasoning profile for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping meatball structure intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for those wanting extra heat and more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Adobo Chicken Meatballs

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve these adobo chicken meatballs over steaming white rice, letting the rich sauce soak into each grain for maximum flavor.
• Veggie Companion Boost: Add roasted or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or bok choy on the side to create a balanced, nutritious meal with complementary textures.
• Spicy Kick Option: Sprinkle extra sliced green onions and a dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a zesty heat that enhances the adobo's tangy profile.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, light contrast to the deep, savory sauce.

How to Keep Chicken Meatballs Juicy

• Store leftover adobo chicken meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use ground chicken for these meatballs?

Ground chicken is leaner than beef or pork, offering a healthier protein option that absorbs the rich adobo flavors beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

• What gives these meatballs their signature adobo flavor?

The combination of chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar creates the classic Filipino adobo sauce, which provides a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which can help the flavors meld together even more.

adobo chicken meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory adobo chicken meatballs showcase Filipino culinary traditions with bold, tangy flavors. Rich garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce create a memorable dish that connects diners to Philippines’ authentic street food experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken (90% lean or leaner)
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut milk
• 4 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 green onion, sliced, for serving

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform meatball mixture.
2. Whisk chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper in a liquid measuring cup to prepare the adobo sauce.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large braising pan over medium heat, then shape the meat mixture into uniform balls and gently place them into the hot pan.
4. Cook meatballs for approximately 2 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and become opaque throughout.
5. Move meatballs to one side of the pan and add sliced garlic to the other side, sautéing for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
6. Incorporate sliced onions, carrots, and bay leaf around the meatballs, distributing them evenly in the pan.
7. Pour the prepared adobo sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
8. Uncover the pan, raise heat to medium-high, and allow the sauce to reduce and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
9. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the dish and serve immediately alongside rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep meatballs tender and light, gently combining ingredients prevents tough texture.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform meatball sizes, promoting even cooking and professional presentation.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, allowing more flexibility in seasoning the final dish.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, maintaining meatball structure and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg