Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls with Brown Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make, these Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls served with brown rice are sure to please. The dish combines tender, homemade chicken balls, seasoned with fresh sage, parsley, and mustard powder, all simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that infuses each bite with bold flavors. Served over a bed of hearty brown rice, this dish makes for a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for any night of the week.
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb (450g) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fresh sage (chopped) | 3/4 tsp |
| Dried parsley flakes | 1/4 tsp |
| Mustard powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 3 tbsp |
| Carrot (grated) | 1 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Green pepper (diced) | 1/4 cup |
| Cooked brown rice | 3 cups |
| Bread crumbs (for coating) | 1/4 cup |
| Italian herbs | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 608.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6g |
| Cholesterol | 144 mg |
| Sodium | 864.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 93.5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5g |
| Sugars | 35.7g |
| Protein | 30.4g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, chopped fresh sage, dried parsley flakes, mustard powder, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt.
- Use your hands to blend the mixture evenly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This will ensure the flavor is distributed throughout the chicken balls.
- With your hands, form the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls, about 2 inches in diameter. It’s helpful to roll them in your palms to ensure they’re smooth and uniform.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Balls
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and Italian herbs. This mixture will form the golden coating on the chicken balls as they cook.
- Gently roll each chicken ball in the bread crumb mixture, making sure each one is well-coated. Once coated, place them on a plate and refrigerate for a few minutes. Chilling them helps them maintain their shape during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Brown Rice
- While the chicken balls are chilling, start cooking your brown rice. Depending on your cooking method, it should take about 30 minutes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results. Fluff the rice once it’s cooked and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, honey, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken Balls
- In a large skillet, heat a little bit of oil over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken balls.
- Brown the chicken balls on all sides, turning them carefully to ensure they get golden and crispy. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken Balls in the Sauce
- Once the chicken balls are browned, pour the sweet and sour sauce over them in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the balls in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chicken balls simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, turning them once or twice to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
- Once the chicken balls are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the chicken balls over the cooked brown rice.
- Pour the sauce over the rice and chicken balls for added flavor. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs or a side salad.
Tips for Success:
- Adjusting the Consistency of the Chicken Balls: If you prefer firmer chicken balls, feel free to add a little more bread crumbs, but do so gradually. Adding too many crumbs can change the texture, so it’s best to start with a small amount.
- Make Ahead: The chicken balls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and can save you time on busy evenings.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, pair these Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls with a green salad or steamed vegetables. The fresh crunch of the salad complements the savory chicken balls and tangy sauce perfectly.
This Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls with Brown Rice recipe is not only delicious but also a balanced meal with plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
