Introduction

These teriyaki chicken meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce make a delicious meal served over rice or noodles.

The image shows a white plate filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice spread out evenly. On top, there are seven round meatballs covered in a shiny brown sauce, with chopped green onions scattered on them. One meatball is cut open, revealing a light, tender inside. The sauce looks thick and glossy, coating the meatballs well and some sauce has dripped onto the rice, making it slightly shiny. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (for sauce)
1/3 cup water (for sauce)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (for sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish or cookie sheet generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, crushed pineapple, milk, soy sauce, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls. Place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish or on the cookie sheet. You should get approximately 21 meatballs.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, reserved pineapple juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir continuously. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet with the teriyaki sauce. Toss gently to coat all the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer together for a few minutes before serving.
Step 8: Serve the teriyaki chicken meatballs hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil to the sauce before simmering.
Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork if preferred.
If you like spicy, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid watery meatballs.
Leftover meatballs can be used in sandwiches or salads for a quick meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a bed of cooked white rice as the bottom layer, with lightly separated grains visible. On top, there are seven golden-brown meatballs covered in a shiny, thick brown sauce that glistens with a glossy texture. Small bits of green onion are scattered on the meatballs, adding a fresh touch of green color. One meatball in the front has a bite taken out, showing a soft, light beige inside with a tender texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without pineapple?

Yes, you can omit the pineapple if you prefer, though it adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. Substitute with a little extra milk or finely grated apple for moisture if desired.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs?

These meatballs go well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve them alongside stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.