Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Tasty and Easy Recipe

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Looking for an easy dinner that packs a flavor punch? My Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs recipe is just what you need! This dish combines juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a special dinner, these meatballs are quick to make and deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that will wow your taste buds!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Blend: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and honey creates a deliciously sweet and savory teriyaki flavor that elevates the meatballs.
  2. Healthier Option: Using ground chicken instead of beef or pork makes these meatballs a lighter, healthier choice without compromising on taste.
  3. Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  4. Versatile Dish: These teriyaki chicken meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening

– Sesame seeds for garnish

– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

For this teriyaki chicken meatball recipe, I choose fresh and simple ingredients. Ground chicken gives these meatballs a light flavor, while breadcrumbs help hold the mixture together. Green onions add a nice crunch and fresh taste. Garlic and ginger provide warmth and depth, making each bite flavorful.

I like using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Honey adds sweetness, balancing the savory notes well. Sesame oil gives a nutty taste, while rice vinegar adds brightness. For the sauce, I mix cornstarch with water. This thickens the sauce nicely, making it cling to the meatballs.

Lastly, I garnish the dish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. These toppings add color and a little extra flavor. You will love how these ingredients come together for a tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Meatball Mixture

To start, gather your ground chicken and other ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together:

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Use your hands to combine everything well. This mix should be sticky and easy to shape. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking the Meatballs

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, slide in the meatballs. Bake them for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn slightly golden and are cooked through.

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs bake, let’s make the teriyaki sauce! In a small saucepan, combine:

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Heat this mix over medium heat until warm. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry, which is 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Coating Meatballs in Sauce

Once your meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven. Transfer the meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over them and gently toss to coat evenly.

For serving, place the teriyaki chicken meatballs on a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your tasty dish!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Juicy Meatballs

For juicy meatballs, start with fresh ground chicken. It has more flavor and moisture. You can also use a mix of light and dark meat for extra taste. When mixing, don’t overwork the meat. This keeps the meatballs tender.

To avoid dryness, keep an eye on baking time. Bake the meatballs until they are just golden. If you overcook them, they may dry out.

Making the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

For the sauce, use equal parts soy sauce and honey. This gives a nice balance of salty and sweet. If you want a twist, try adding orange juice or pineapple juice. These add a fruity flavor that pairs well with chicken.

Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce. Taste the sauce as you go. This way, you can get it just right for your liking.

Garnishing for Presentation

Garnish your meatballs with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. These add a pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for more shine.

For serving, pair the meatballs with rice or steamed veggies. This creates a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. They enhance the teriyaki sauce and meatball mixture significantly.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like crushed red pepper or five-spice powder to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
  4. Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to create a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork. Both options keep the meatballs moist and tasty. Turkey has a lighter flavor, while pork adds richness.

If you follow a gluten-free diet, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed rice crackers or oats as a substitute. These swaps keep the texture nice without gluten.

Cooking Methods

You can make teriyaki chicken meatballs in different ways. The stove-top method is quick and easy. Just cook them in a pan with some oil over medium heat until brown.

For a slow cooker, shape the meatballs and add them with the teriyaki sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a tender result.

If you want a crispy texture, try an air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes. They turn out golden and delicious!

Flavor Enhancements

Add spices or veggies for more flavor. Chopped bell peppers or carrots mix well in the meatball mix. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for a kick.

For marinades, soak the meatballs in teriyaki sauce before cooking. You can add a splash of lime juice or sesame seeds for extra taste. Another option is to drizzle extra sauce on top before serving.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store teriyaki chicken meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs for later meals. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Meal Prep Tips

If you want to save time, prepare meatballs in advance. You can mix the ingredients and form the meatballs. Then, store them in the fridge for a quick meal. You can also bake a batch on the weekend. This way, you can grab them for easy meals during the week. Pair them with rice or veggies for a complete dish.

FAQs

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?

To check if the meatballs are ready, look for a few signs. First, the meatballs should be golden brown on the outside. You can also cut one open. The inside should be white and no longer pink. If you have a meat thermometer, the inside should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them into balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze the meatballs. They will last about three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs?

There are many great sides to serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs. Here are some tasty options:

– Steamed rice

– Fried rice

– Noodles

– Stir-fried vegetables

– A fresh salad

These sides will help balance the flavors of the meatballs.

Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Most teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which may have gluten. However, you can find gluten-free soy sauces. Look for brands that use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always check labels to be sure. This way, you can enjoy teriyaki chicken meatballs without worry.

The teriyaki chicken meatballs are simple and delicious. We covered ingredients, mixing, and cooking steps. I shared tips for juicy meatballs and tasty sauce. You learned about variations and storage options too.

In the end, you can enjoy this dish any day of the week. With a few easy swaps, you can make it your own. Try it out and impress with your cooking skill

- 1 pound ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish For this teriyaki chicken meatball recipe, I choose fresh and simple ingredients. Ground chicken gives these meatballs a light flavor, while breadcrumbs help hold the mixture together. Green onions add a nice crunch and fresh taste. Garlic and ginger provide warmth and depth, making each bite flavorful. I like using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Honey adds sweetness, balancing the savory notes well. Sesame oil gives a nutty taste, while rice vinegar adds brightness. For the sauce, I mix cornstarch with water. This thickens the sauce nicely, making it cling to the meatballs. Lastly, I garnish the dish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. These toppings add color and a little extra flavor. You will love how these ingredients come together for a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ground chicken and other ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Use your hands to combine everything well. This mix should be sticky and easy to shape. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it's ready, slide in the meatballs. Bake them for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn slightly golden and are cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the teriyaki sauce! In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Heat this mix over medium heat until warm. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry, which is 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Once your meatballs are done baking, take them out of the oven. Transfer the meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over them and gently toss to coat evenly. For serving, place the teriyaki chicken meatballs on a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your tasty dish! For juicy meatballs, start with fresh ground chicken. It has more flavor and moisture. You can also use a mix of light and dark meat for extra taste. When mixing, don’t overwork the meat. This keeps the meatballs tender. To avoid dryness, keep an eye on baking time. Bake the meatballs until they are just golden. If you overcook them, they may dry out. For the sauce, use equal parts soy sauce and honey. This gives a nice balance of salty and sweet. If you want a twist, try adding orange juice or pineapple juice. These add a fruity flavor that pairs well with chicken. Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce. Taste the sauce as you go. This way, you can get it just right for your liking. Garnish your meatballs with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. These add a pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for more shine. For serving, pair the meatballs with rice or steamed veggies. This creates a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger. They enhance the teriyaki sauce and meatball mixture significantly. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like crushed red pepper or five-spice powder to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of flavor. Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to create a complete meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork. Both options keep the meatballs moist and tasty. Turkey has a lighter flavor, while pork adds richness. If you follow a gluten-free diet, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed rice crackers or oats as a substitute. These swaps keep the texture nice without gluten. You can make teriyaki chicken meatballs in different ways. The stove-top method is quick and easy. Just cook them in a pan with some oil over medium heat until brown. For a slow cooker, shape the meatballs and add them with the teriyaki sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a tender result. If you want a crispy texture, try an air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the meatballs for about 12-15 minutes. They turn out golden and delicious! Add spices or veggies for more flavor. Chopped bell peppers or carrots mix well in the meatball mix. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for a kick. For marinades, soak the meatballs in teriyaki sauce before cooking. You can add a splash of lime juice or sesame seeds for extra taste. Another option is to drizzle extra sauce on top before serving. Store teriyaki chicken meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later meals. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. If you want to save time, prepare meatballs in advance. You can mix the ingredients and form the meatballs. Then, store them in the fridge for a quick meal. You can also bake a batch on the weekend. This way, you can grab them for easy meals during the week. Pair them with rice or veggies for a complete dish. To check if the meatballs are ready, look for a few signs. First, the meatballs should be golden brown on the outside. You can also cut one open. The inside should be white and no longer pink. If you have a meat thermometer, the inside should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them into balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze the meatballs. They will last about three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking. There are many great sides to serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh salad These sides will help balance the flavors of the meatballs. Most teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which may have gluten. However, you can find gluten-free soy sauces. Look for brands that use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always check labels to be sure. This way, you can enjoy teriyaki chicken meatballs without worry. The teriyaki chicken meatballs are simple and delicious. We covered ingredients, mixing, and cooking steps. I shared tips for juicy meatballs and tasty sauce. You learned about variations and storage options too. In the end, you can enjoy this dish any day of the week. With a few easy swaps, you can make it your own. Try it out and impress with your cooking skills!

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs coated in a savory teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until well combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and slightly golden.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat until warm.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the sauce and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
  • Serve the teriyaki chicken meatballs on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the meatballs marinate in the teriyaki sauce for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, meatballs, teriyaki

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