The scent of sweet and savory Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance like they just discovered a new TikTok trend. Imagine juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy glaze that’s both sticky and tantalizingly fragrant. These little flavor bombs are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or binging your favorite series on the couch—let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a snack during a dramatic cliffhanger?

Jump to:
- Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What are Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
- How do I make the teriyaki sauce for the meatballs?
- Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?
- How do I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
- Conclusion for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:
- 📖 Recipe Card
I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “I’ll just whip something up with what I have” moments. My refrigerator was looking pretty bare, but as fate would have it, I had chicken and some basic pantry staples. The moment these meatballs hit the oven, my kitchen transformed into a culinary wonderland filled with aromas that whispered sweet nothings to my stomach. Now, they’re my go-to for gatherings and lazy nights alike—trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing dish is quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners effortless.
- The flavor profile is rich, combining sweetness and umami that will make you crave more.
- Visually appealing with their glossy finish, they are sure to impress family and friends.
- Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed in a salad for versatility!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken keeps these meatballs moist while allowing the teriyaki flavor to shine through.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped for a fresh crunch and vibrant color that elevates the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
- Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and zest that perfectly complements the teriyaki sauce.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar provides acidity to cut through the richness of the meatballs.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—because no one enjoys scrubbing burnt bits off their pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined; overmixing can lead to dense meatballs—and nobody wants that!
Step 3: Form Meatballs
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re feeling fancy), shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs—aim for about two tablespoons each. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with space in between.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You can take this time to catch up on your favorite show—multitasking at its finest!
Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder (if using), and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir until it thickens into a luscious glaze—this is where magic happens!
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
Once your meatballs are done baking, drizzle them generously with that glorious teriyaki sauce. Transfer them onto plates or serve directly from the baking sheet if you want guests to dive right in—a true crowd-pleaser!
Now grab some toothpicks or simply dig in with forks—the choice is yours! Enjoy these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs as they are or pair them with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal experience.
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken meatballs first until golden brown, then simmer them in the teriyaki sauce while cooking your favorite rice or noodles. This way, everything finishes at nearly the same time, and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or beef, or add some crushed pineapple for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions on top for extra flavor and flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with chilled ground chicken to make forming meatballs easier and prevent sticking.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding meatballs for that golden crust.
- Let the meatballs rest before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful.
I remember making these teriyaki chicken meatballs for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than I could say “teriyaki.” Everyone asked for seconds, making me feel like a culinary rock star!
FAQs:
What are Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are savory bite-sized balls made from ground chicken, seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. These meatballs are typically glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor. They are perfect for appetizers, main dishes, or even as part of a meal prep. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and can be served with rice or vegetables.
How do I make the teriyaki sauce for the meatballs?
To create a flavorful teriyaki sauce for your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, combine soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. You can thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry or using plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. This sauce will add an irresistible glaze to your meatballs and enhance their taste significantly.
Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken with other meats to suit your preferences. Ground turkey is an excellent choice for a leaner option. If you prefer beef or lamb, those work well too. Just ensure that you adjust cooking times as different meats may require varying levels of doneness. Regardless of your choice, the teriyaki flavor will shine through.
How do I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
If you have leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze them, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Conclusion for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:
In summary, Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that appeal to many palates. By utilizing ground chicken and crafting a simple yet tasty teriyaki sauce, this dish becomes both accessible and enjoyable to prepare. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these meatballs deliver satisfying results every time. With easy storage options for leftovers, you’ll find this recipe is perfect for meal prep too!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. These juicy meatballs are coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze that elevates them to crowd-pleaser status. With minimal effort required, you can easily whip up this dish that pairs beautifully with rice or veggies. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these flavor-packed meatballs will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder (if using), and cornstarch mixture. Stir until thickened.
- Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the baked meatballs and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg