Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Easy and Tasty Recipe

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If you love quick and tasty meals, you’ll adore these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! They combine juicy ground chicken with bold flavors like soy sauce and garlic. This recipe is simple to follow, perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. Plus, I’ll share some cool tips to make your meatballs even better. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish that they will ask for again and again!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to whip up delicious teriyaki chicken meatballs in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Combination: The blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a rich and savory flavor profile that everyone will love.
  3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add more vegetables to the mix, tailoring the meatballs to your family’s taste preferences.
  4. Healthy Option: Using ground chicken makes these meatballs a leaner alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, providing a healthier protein source.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

I love using ground chicken. It makes the meatballs tender and juicy. Breadcrumbs are key too. I suggest panko for a light crunch. Don’t forget the green onions! They add a fresh flavor and a nice color.

Flavor Enhancers

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Soy sauce brings a savory taste. It gives the meatballs a nice umami kick. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, making each bite richer. Garlic and ginger powders are must-haves. They give the meatballs warmth and depth.

Optional Additions

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Sesame seeds for garnish

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Black pepper adds a little heat. If you like spice, use red pepper flakes. They can really boost the flavor! For garnishes, I love sesame seeds and cilantro. They make the dish look pretty and add extra taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the meatballs evenly.

2. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes clean-up easy.

Mixing Ingredients

1. Combining meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the following together:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

– 1 beaten egg

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon ginger powder

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you want some heat)

Stir until everything blends well. This mixture will create moist and tasty meatballs.

Shaping & Baking

1. Forming meatballs: With your hands, roll the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet, keeping space between them to allow for cooking.

2. Baking time and temperature: Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked through.

3. Glazing with teriyaki sauce: In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush or drizzle teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. This adds flavor and helps create a shiny glaze.

Enjoy the aroma and look forward to a delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Meatballs

To make perfect meatballs, start with even cooking. Shape them all the same size. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This helps them cook evenly. If some are larger, they may not cook through.

Making Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

You can make your own teriyaki sauce with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you need:

– 1/2 cup soy sauce

– 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

To make the sauce, mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it thickens slightly. Stir often to avoid burning.

Cooking Alternatives

You can cook meatballs on the stovetop or grill. For stovetop cooking, use a non-stick pan. Heat the pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook meatballs for around 10-12 minutes, turning often.

If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium. Place meatballs on skewers for easy turning. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, making sure to check for doneness.

For those who love air frying, preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Enjoy your fast and tasty meal!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the meatballs’ overall crunch.
  2. Chill the Mixture: If the meatball mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle and shape into balls.
  3. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add fresh chili for an extra kick.
  4. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground chicken for turkey or pork. These meats have different flavors but still work well. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey is great. Pork adds a bit of richness that can be tasty in meatballs.

If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. You can also crush rice crackers or oats for a homemade version. Both work well and keep the meatballs moist.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs taste great with rice or noodles. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or toss them with noodles for a filling meal. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for added flavor.

You can add these meatballs to salads or wraps too. They make a great protein addition to a fresh salad. In a wrap, they provide a tasty and filling lunch option. Add some veggies and a touch of sauce for extra crunch and flavor.

Flavor Variations

If you like spice, try making spicy teriyaki meatballs. Add more red pepper flakes to the mix. You can also include a dash of hot sauce in the teriyaki glaze. This will give the meatballs a nice kick.

For a sweet and sour twist, mix in some pineapple juice with the teriyaki sauce. You can also add chunks of pineapple to the meatballs before baking. This adds a fun sweetness and keeps things interesting.

Storage Info

Cool and Store

After you bake the meatballs, let them cool. Cooling them helps keep their shape and taste. Place them on a wire rack or a plate. Once they are cool, store them. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for quick meals.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, cooked teriyaki chicken meatballs last about 3-4 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage like odd smells or color changes.

FAQs

What are teriyaki chicken meatballs?

Teriyaki chicken meatballs are savory bites made from ground chicken. They mix flavors from Japan, especially the sweet and salty taste of teriyaki sauce. The dish combines ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and spices, making it easy to enjoy. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish. The warm, sticky sauce gives these meatballs their unique flair.

Can I make teriyaki chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare teriyaki chicken meatballs in advance. Mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep them for up to 24 hours. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked meatballs in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months frozen. When you’re ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The center should be fully cooked and no longer pink. The outside should also be golden brown. This ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and taste great.

This blog post shared how to create tasty teriyaki chicken meatballs. We covered essential ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and flavor boosters. Step-by-step, I helped you with mixing, shaping, and baking these delights. Tips for perfecting your meatballs and easy serving ideas enhanced our recipe. Lastly, I explained how to store and freeze leftovers safely.

In the end, making these flavorful meatballs is simple. With a few tweaks, you can customize them to suit your taste. Happy cookin

- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped I love using ground chicken. It makes the meatballs tender and juicy. Breadcrumbs are key too. I suggest panko for a light crunch. Don’t forget the green onions! They add a fresh flavor and a nice color. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder Soy sauce brings a savory taste. It gives the meatballs a nice umami kick. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, making each bite richer. Garlic and ginger powders are must-haves. They give the meatballs warmth and depth. - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish Black pepper adds a little heat. If you like spice, use red pepper flakes. They can really boost the flavor! For garnishes, I love sesame seeds and cilantro. They make the dish look pretty and add extra taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the meatballs evenly. 2. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes clean-up easy. 1. Combining meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the following together: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 beaten egg - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you want some heat) Stir until everything blends well. This mixture will create moist and tasty meatballs. 1. Forming meatballs: With your hands, roll the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet, keeping space between them to allow for cooking. 2. Baking time and temperature: Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked through. 3. Glazing with teriyaki sauce: In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush or drizzle teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. This adds flavor and helps create a shiny glaze. Enjoy the aroma and look forward to a delicious meal! To make perfect meatballs, start with even cooking. Shape them all the same size. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This helps them cook evenly. If some are larger, they may not cook through. You can make your own teriyaki sauce with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced To make the sauce, mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it thickens slightly. Stir often to avoid burning. You can cook meatballs on the stovetop or grill. For stovetop cooking, use a non-stick pan. Heat the pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook meatballs for around 10-12 minutes, turning often. If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium. Place meatballs on skewers for easy turning. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, making sure to check for doneness. For those who love air frying, preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Enjoy your fast and tasty meal! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the meatballs' overall crunch. Chill the Mixture: If the meatball mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle and shape into balls. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add fresh chili for an extra kick. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for turkey or pork. These meats have different flavors but still work well. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey is great. Pork adds a bit of richness that can be tasty in meatballs. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. You can also crush rice crackers or oats for a homemade version. Both work well and keep the meatballs moist. These meatballs taste great with rice or noodles. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or toss them with noodles for a filling meal. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for added flavor. You can add these meatballs to salads or wraps too. They make a great protein addition to a fresh salad. In a wrap, they provide a tasty and filling lunch option. Add some veggies and a touch of sauce for extra crunch and flavor. If you like spice, try making spicy teriyaki meatballs. Add more red pepper flakes to the mix. You can also include a dash of hot sauce in the teriyaki glaze. This will give the meatballs a nice kick. For a sweet and sour twist, mix in some pineapple juice with the teriyaki sauce. You can also add chunks of pineapple to the meatballs before baking. This adds a fun sweetness and keeps things interesting. After you bake the meatballs, let them cool. Cooling them helps keep their shape and taste. Place them on a wire rack or a plate. Once they are cool, store them. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for quick meals. In the fridge, cooked teriyaki chicken meatballs last about 3-4 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage like odd smells or color changes. Teriyaki chicken meatballs are savory bites made from ground chicken. They mix flavors from Japan, especially the sweet and salty taste of teriyaki sauce. The dish combines ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and spices, making it easy to enjoy. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish. The warm, sticky sauce gives these meatballs their unique flair. Yes, you can prepare teriyaki chicken meatballs in advance. Mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep them for up to 24 hours. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked meatballs in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months frozen. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The center should be fully cooked and no longer pink. The outside should also be golden brown. This ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and taste great. This blog post shared how to create tasty teriyaki chicken meatballs. We covered essential ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and flavor boosters. Step-by-step, I helped you with mixing, shaping, and baking these delights. Tips for perfecting your meatballs and easy serving ideas enhanced our recipe. Lastly, I explained how to store and freeze leftovers safely. In the end, making these flavorful meatballs is simple. With a few tweaks, you can customize them to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs glazed with teriyaki sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.5 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, beaten egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
  • Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush or drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs to glaze them.
  • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade teriyaki sauce if possible.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, meatballs, teriyaki

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