Name: Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
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 whole wheat sandwich buns

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There’s something truly irresistible about Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches. Imagine a bustling kitchen, the aroma of baking meatballs filling the air, and a craving for something hearty and delicious creeping in. This dish takes me back to cozy dinners with friends, where laughter and good food create memories that linger long after the last bite. The excitement of assembling these sandwiches is half the fun! Each meatball is packed with flavor, with a kick of jalapeño and a gooey surprise of cheddar that melts beautifully as they bake. Whether it’s a laid-back weekend gathering or a busy weeknight dinner, these sandwiches are a hit every time.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Oven, Cutting Board, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl, Grater, Chef’s Knife

Why This Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches Is So Good

Flavor Explosion

The first reason to love Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches is the incredible explosion of flavors. The combination of tender ground chicken, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar creates a perfect balance that will have your taste buds dancing.

Easy to Make

This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time!

Customizable

Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of jalapeño or even swap in different cheeses. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and tailor the sandwiches to your taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, these sandwiches fit right in. They’re easy to serve and sure to impress, making them a go-to choice for any occasion.

Healthy Twist

By using lean ground chicken and opting for whole wheat buns, you can enjoy a delicious meal that doesn’t compromise your health goals. It’s a win-win situation!

Family Friendly

Kids love these sandwiches! They’re fun to eat, and their customizable nature makes it easy to cater to even the pickiest eaters. It’s a great way to get little ones involved in meal prep, too.

What to Gather for Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches. Each component plays a significant role in creating that flavorful profile. The star players here are the ground chicken, jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese, which work together harmoniously to create a satisfying meal.

1 pound ground chicken: This is the foundation of your meatballs, providing a lean source of protein.
1 pound lean ground chicken breast: Using both types of chicken adds depth to the flavor and helps keep the meatballs moist.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the jalapeños.
1 large egg, slightly beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs: These provide a delightful crunch and help keep the meatballs from being too dense.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
2 jalapeño peppers, 1 finely diced and 1 thinly sliced: One packs the meatballs with spice while the other adds a fresh garnish.
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Melts beautifully, providing a rich, cheesy goodness.
8-10 whole wheat sandwich buns: These hold everything together and make for a healthy alternative to traditional buns.

Making This Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Making Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the delicious results of your efforts in no time. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and gives them a nice golden color.
Prepare your baking dish or rimmed baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick spray. This is essential to prevent your delicious meatballs from sticking.
In a large bowl, combine all the ground chicken, salt, pepper, egg, panko bread crumbs, garlic cloves, finely diced jalapeño pepper, and half (4 ounces) of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine, being careful not to over mix, which can make the meatballs tough.
Once combined, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll notice the meatballs will release a bit of liquid and cheese as they cook, which is perfectly normal.
After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. This will help them hold their shape when you assemble the sandwiches.
While the meatballs are cooling, slice each sandwich bun lengthwise. This will create a perfect pocket for your filling.
Stuff some of the remaining grated cheddar cheese into the bottom of each bun. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully and add an extra cheesy flavor.
Place 2 to 3 meatballs in each bun, depending on the size of your rolls. Then cover the meatballs with additional cheddar cheese for that gooey finish.
Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes. If you like, you can broil them briefly at the end to bubble and brown the cheese on top.
Finally, cover your sandwiches with thinly sliced jalapeños for an added crunch and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches!

Things Worth Knowing

Test for doneness: Make sure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Don’t crowd the pan: Make sure the meatballs are placed with space in between to allow even cooking and browning.
Let them rest: Allowing the meatballs to cool slightly before slicing helps them maintain their shape.
Get the kids involved: Let them help roll the meatballs; it’s a fun activity that gets everyone engaged in the cooking process.

Change It Up

Here are some fun ideas to make Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing: These sandwiches go great with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Spice it up: If you love more heat, add extra diced jalapeños to the mixture or serve with a spicy sauce.
Cheese variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
Herbs: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches

When it comes to serving Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches, you’ll want to think about complementary flavors and textures. Here are some great options:

Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness balances the spiciness of the sandwiches perfectly.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
Guacamole: This creamy dip is a fantastic side that pairs well with the heat from the jalapeños.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the cheese.
Seasonal Fruits: Serve with a platter of seasonal fruits for a refreshing touch that complements the savory flavors.
Game Day Snacks: These sandwiches are perfect for parties! Think about serving them with chips and salsa, or a cheese platter for variety.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. This is a great time-saver, especially for busy weeknights or gatherings. Just make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

The spiciness of Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches can be adjusted to your preference. By using more or fewer jalapeños, you can control the heat level. If you’re concerned about spice, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños, which will make them milder. Enjoy experimenting to find the perfect balance for your taste!

These delicious sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even a refreshing coleslaw. For a fun twist, you could also add dips like guacamole or salsa on the side. The options are endless!

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs! Just let them cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Conclusion

The Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to become a family favorite. This recipe brings together the spicy kick of jalapeños and the creamy goodness of cheddar in a way that is both satisfying and delicious. I encourage you to give these sandwiches a try! They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your friends and family.

Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches

The ultimate comfort food, Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Meatball Sandwiches are a delicious blend of spicy and cheesy goodness, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. These satisfying sandwiches will tantalize your taste buds and become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 10 sandwiches

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Oven
Cutting Board
Frying Pan
Mixing Bowl
Grater
Chef's Knife

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 whole wheat sandwich buns

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine all the ground chicken, salt, pepper, egg, panko bread crumbs, garlic, finely diced jalapeño pepper, and half (4 ounces) of the grated cheddar. Mix thoroughly to combine, trying not to over mix.
Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Remove and let cool slightly. Slice each bun lengthwise and stuff some of the remaining cheddar in the bottom of each.
Place 2 to 3 meatballs in each bun, then cover with additional cheddar. Place back in the oven for 6-8 minutes, then broil if desired to bubble and brown the cheese on top.
Cover with thinly sliced jalapeños and serve.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing: These sandwiches go great with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Spice it up: If you love more heat, add extra diced jalapeños to the mixture or serve with a spicy sauce.
Cheese variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
Herbs: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness and flavor.