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Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs (Gluten-Free, Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

Craving a flavorful and convenient meal? Look no further than these gluten-free Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs. Packed with authentic Chinese flavors, these tender meatballs are a delicious and healthy option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty appetizer, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds
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kung pao chicken meatballs in skillet

Kung pao chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Add in crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions, and it’s hard not to fall in love. These kung pao chicken meatballs bring all those bold flavors together in an easy, approachable dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Best of all, this gluten-free kung pao chicken meatballs recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. Tender, saucy, and packed with flavor, these meatballs are a fun twist on the classic takeout favorite.

kung pao chicken meatballs with peanuts and green onions

What makes these kung pao chicken meatballs unique?

Versatility is key with these kung pao chicken meatballs. This easy kung pao meatballs recipe offers multiple cooking options—you can bake them in the oven or cook them quickly in a skillet for a fast 30-minute meal. The crispy sear from a cast-iron skillet adds extra flavor and texture to the meatballs.

They’re also perfect for meal prep and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Whether served fresh, reheated, or finished in the slow cooker, these gluten-free kung pao chicken meatballs can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways.

pouring kung pao sauce over chicken meatballs

Can you make these Asian chicken meatballs for a crowd?

These kung pao chicken meatballs are absolutely delicious when cooked low and slow in a crockpot. The rich marinade infuses every bite with an explosion of tantalizing flavors, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meatballs that will have your taste buds singing with joy. Follow the directions below for how to make slow cooker kung pao meatballs. 

Want to make kung pao chicken meatballs for the slow cooker?

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. 

  2. Add all the meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix with clean hands until well incorporated. 

  3. Using a 1-inch ice cream scoop, scoop meatballs onto a parchment lined baking sheet. (You can also use slightly wet and oiled hands to shape into balls). 

  4. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatball is 165 degrees F. (cooking times may vary depending on size of your meatballs). 

  5. Once the meatballs are cooked, you can transfer to your slow cooker and cover with kung pao sauce. Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasional. 

  6. Add your chopped red bell pepper, 1 hour before serving and then top it off with salted peanuts and fresh green onions. Serve over rice and enjoy! 

Note: If making meatballs for a crowd, I recommend doubling the recipe. This will yield you roughly 24-30 meatballs depending on the size. 

kung pao meatballs served over rice

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional kung pao chicken is not gluten-free because it contains soy sauce, but this recipe is completely gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos.

Chicken meatballs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

 

Yes. These meatballs are great to make in advance. You simply mix up your meatball ingredients. Shape them into balls, (best method is to use a 1 inch ice cream scoop). Line them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. 

Once they are done cooking allow them to completely cool, then transfer them onto a tray lined individually (this prevents them from sticking to each other). Freeze them until solid, then transfer to Ziplock or airtight storage container and store in the freezer until ready to reheat.

When you are ready to reheat, pull them from frozen out of the freezer and cook them as the recipe directs (Pan sear) or follow the directions for slow cooker kung pao chicken. 

 

Prepare meatballs as directed, shape them into balls, (best method is to use a 1 inch ice cream scoop). Line them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. 

NOTE: Its best if the meatballs are cold prior to baking to help hold their shape. I recommend popping them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or the freezer for 5-10 minutes. 

It’s very simple to reheat these kung pao chicken meatballs, just add your kung pao sauce, meatballs and set your crockpot on your desired function, stirring occasionally. Add you chopped diced red pepper 1 hour before serving and garnish with green onions and peanuts. 

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours. 

Try these other delicious Asian inspired meals!

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kung pao chicken meatballs with peanuts and green onions

Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs (Gluten-Free, Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

tinhateats
Kung pao chicken meatballs blend sweet and spicy flavors in a sticky Asian sauce with crunchy peanuts and green onions. They're gluten-free and dairy-free, and can be baked or cooked in a skillet. These versatile meatballs can even be frozen and cooked slowly in a crockpot. Serve over rice for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 15 meatballs

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground chicken
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 cup Almond flour
  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil
  • 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil
  • 1 Green onion finely chopped/minced
  • 1 tbsp Coconut aminos or soy sauce (gluten free)
  • 1 tsp Minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Chili flakes optional

kung Pao Sauce

  • 4-6 Dried Sichuan red chilis These chilis are mild heat, but if you don't like any spice, remove the seeds or omit.
  • 1/4 cup Coconut aminos or gf soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Arrowroot starch, tapioca or Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Siracha
  • 1 tsp Freshly grated ginger
  • 3 Garlic cloves minced

Stir Fry Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 Medium Red pepper diced
  • 1-2 tbsp Avocado oil for sautéing
  • 1 cup Green onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup Peanuts

Instructions
 

Kung Pao Sauce

  • Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.

Make the Meatballs

  • Mix the meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, almond flour, avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut aminos, green onion, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix just until combined.
  • Form into balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them hold together.
  • Cook the meatballs: Heat a large cast iron skillet with avocado oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 8–10 minutes). Remove meatballs and set aside.

Stir fry vegetables:

  • Stir fry vegetables: In the same skillet, add additional avocado oil if needed. Sauté diced red pepper for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and simmer for 1–2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • Coat the meatballs: Return meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and peanuts, and serve warm over rice.

Notes

Notes: See post for additional cooking methods slow cooker or oven baked.
Keyword gluten free kung pao chicken, kung pao chicken, kung pao chicken meatballs, kung pao meatballs, kung pao meatballs recipe
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Hi, I’m Jenn – welcome to Tinhateats! Here, you’ll find a collection of gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly recipes, with a special spotlight on einkorn flour. I love reimagining classic dishes in healthier, more nourishing ways—and I hope my recipes inspire you to try something new in your own kitchen. Follow along for real food, made simple!

 

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