Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to comfort food: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! These little gems are not only packed with flavor but are also so easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I made them; the sweet, savory aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! The ground chicken creates a tender meatball, and when you toss them in that luscious teriyaki glaze, it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, these meatballs will have everyone coming back for seconds. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or even as a fun appetizer for your next gathering!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs. I promise, you won’t need anything fancy!
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use plain or seasoned, whatever you have on hand!)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (these add such a fresh flavor!)
- 1 egg (this helps bind everything together)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that umami kick)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (fresh ginger really makes a difference)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (the star of the show!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (it adds a lovely nutty flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your liking!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to meatball magic!
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your meatballs are perfectly baked by the time you’re ready to dive in!
In a large bowl, combine that pound of ground chicken with the breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, egg, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, I like to get my hands in there to really mix everything together—it’s the best way to ensure all those flavors meld beautifully!
Once you’ve got a nice, well-mixed mixture, it’s time to form the meatballs. Aim for about an inch in diameter; they should fit nicely in your palm. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze!
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. While they’re baking, let’s whip up the teriyaki glaze. In a small saucepan, gently heat the teriyaki sauce and sesame oil over medium heat. You’ll want it to warm up and get a little bubbly.
Once your meatballs are out of the oven, carefully toss them in that lovely sauce until they’re evenly coated. And just like that, you’re ready to serve warm! Wow, I can already smell the goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these tasty Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! Each serving, which is about four meatballs, packs an estimated 250 calories. They contain around 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, there’s about 5 grams of sugar and 400 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes, but they provide a good guideline for your meal planning!
FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Got some questions about making Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a slightly different flavor. You’ll still get those yummy teriyaki vibes!
How can I make them spicier? If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the meat mixture. Yum!
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for a day before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave!
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, making Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is a total game-changer! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this dish:
- Flavor explosion: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a taste that’s simply irresistible!
- Super easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner in no time.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these meatballs are a hit every single time.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making your meal planning a breeze!
- Kid-approved: The sweet flavor profile is a favorite among kids, making dinner time a joy for everyone!
Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Tips for Success
Want to take your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs to the next level? Here are my top tips for success!
- Chill the mixture: If you have time, let the meatball mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming them. This helps them hold their shape while baking!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we don’t want that!
- Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce to your liking. If you want a bolder flavor, add a splash more soy sauce!
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Experiment with toppings: Before serving, try garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color!
With these tips, you’ll be a teriyaki meatball master in no time! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting:
- Switch the protein: Try using ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of ground beef and chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Add veggies: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for added moisture and nutrition!
- Spice it up: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce for a spicy kick that will wake up your taste buds.
- Herb it up: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to give your meatballs a fresh twist.
- Asian-inspired twist: Add a splash of hoisin sauce or even some pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-sour vibe!
With these variations, you can enjoy a new take on these delicious meatballs every time! Get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs? No problem! To store them, simply place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick meals throughout the week!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can microwave them for about 1–2 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Just make sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep things juicy. Wow, you’ll be amazed at how delicious they taste even the next day!
Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Now that you’ve got those delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! They’re super versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides that enhance their flavor. I love serving them over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You could also toss them with some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious plate!
If you’re in the mood for something different, try them with soba noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy bite. And don’t forget about sauces—drizzling a bit more teriyaki sauce or a spicy mayo can elevate the dish even further. Trust me, each bite will be a delightful dance of flavors!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave Them
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a savory and flavorful dish made with ground chicken and a sweet teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, heat teriyaki sauce and sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness of teriyaki sauce to your preference.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
- These meatballs can be served over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, chicken meatballs, teriyaki sauce, easy dinner