Jalapeo Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches.
These Jalapeo Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches are packed with spicy, cheesy flavor and perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Foil or parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 pound lean ground chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg slightly beaten
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers 1 finely diced and 1 thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 8-10 whole wheat sandwich buns
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, lean ground chicken breast, salt, pepper, slightly beaten egg, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, and the diced jalapeño. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the meatballs from the oven, sprinkle freshly grated cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice the whole wheat sandwich buns and place a few meatballs on the bottom half. Top with thinly sliced jalapeños for extra heat if desired, then close the sandwiches with the top halves.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm and cheesy, paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- To avoid tough meatballs, mix the ingredients only until just combined without overworking the mixture.
- Freshly grate the cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Make meatballs ahead by refrigerating for up to 24 hours or freezing for up to 3 months; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
- For a low-carb option, substitute almond flour for panko and serve on lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- If you prefer less heat, omit jalapeños or replace with bell peppers for milder flavor.