Meatballs in apricot chipotle sauce

Posted: September 28, 2025
Meatballs in apricot chipotle sauce

Today, I’m sharing a fantastic recipe from one of my cookbooks: Meatballs in apricot chipotle sauce. While I usually lean toward sweet bakes, I truly love a good savory snack too – and the cookbook this recipe comes from is filled with them.

This particular meatball recipe is one of my favorites. The book is currently only available in Dutch, but I love sharing bits and pieces here, so let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A Flavor Twist – If you’re a meatball fan, this unique variation will surprise and delight you.
  • Sweet & Spicy – The smoky heat of chipotle paired with the sweet tang of apricot jam? It’s simply irresistible.
  • Quick & Easy – No complicated steps – just simple pantry staples and a one-pan finish.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Minced Chicken – I used chicken for a lighter twist, but you can use any meatball recipe you love (like my classic Dutch meatballs).
  • Chipotle Sauce – I used a ready-made chipotle sauce for convenience, but feel free to use chipotle peppers in adobo – just mince them finely.
  • Apricot Jam – I used apricot jam for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, but other apricot preserves will work just fine too.

How To Make Meatballs with Apricot-Chipotle Sauce

The real star here is the sauce – it’s bold, sweet, and smoky with just the right amount of heat.

  • Start with your meatballs. Use homemade or store-bought, whatever suits your time and taste.
  • Make the sauce. Combine chipotle sauce and apricot jam in a small bowl – yes, it’s that simple.
  • Simmer together. Add the sauce to the meatballs in a pan and let everything simmer gently. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks and coat the meatballs beautifully.

Serve warm and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.

Storing Meatballs with Apricot Chipotle Sauce

These meatballs store well and taste just as delicious the next day!

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to a glossy, fresh-from-the-pan shine.

FAQ Meatballs with Apricot- Chipotle Sauce

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These meatballs reheat great. You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them gently in a pan or microwave, and the sauce will become glossy and delicious again. Or enjoy them as a cold appetizer.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Definitely. While I prefer homemade for the best texture and flavor, frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.

What can I use instead of apricot jam?

If you don’t have apricot jam on hand, peach or mango preserves work well too. You want something fruity and slightly tangy to balance the smoky chipotle.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium kick, depending on the chipotle sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount of chipotle and taste as you go. You can always add more!

I don’t like my food too spicy and I love this recipe, just the perfect amount of spice.

 

Meatballs in chipotle apricot sauce

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Meatballs in chipotle-apricot sauce

Chicken meatballs in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect with any drink!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 18 pieces

Ingredients 

  • 300 grams ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 5-6 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • handful parsley finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 100 grams apricot jam
  • 50 grams chipotle sauce

Instructions

  • Mix the minced chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  • Melt a knob of butter in a frying pan and fry the meatballs on all sides.
  • Add the apricot jam and chipotle sauce, then simmer on medium heat until the meatballs are cooked through.
Tips

Warm the meatballs in a pan briefly when they come out of the refrigerator so that they look nicer in the sauce.
How to store

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

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