Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! They are just bursting with flavor and so easy to whip up, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when I’m in a pinch. I remember the first time I made them; the sweet and savory aroma wafted through the kitchen, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it brings together simple ingredients that pack a punch. Plus, they’re super versatile! Whether I’m serving them over rice, tossing them in a stir-fry, or just enjoying them on their own, they never disappoint. Trust me, once you try these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, they’ll become a staple in your home just like they are in mine!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken – I love using ground chicken for its lightness and flavor, but feel free to use turkey if you prefer!
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind everything together. I usually go for plain ones, but seasoned breadcrumbs can add extra flavor!
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – These add a nice crunch and a pop of color. Don’t skip them!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic kick. I always say the more, the merrier!
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – This is where the umami magic happens! I like using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Just a touch for sweetness that balances the savory notes. You can adjust this based on your preference!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – It adds that nutty flavor that’s characteristic of Asian cuisine. Yum!
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Fresh ginger gives the meatballs a zing that elevates the dish!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This will help thicken our sauce later. A little goes a long way!
- 1 tablespoon water – Just a splash to mix with the cornstarch.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, so the process flows smoothly. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Now, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic really happens, and I promise it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs in no time!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps your meatballs cook evenly and get that nice, golden-brown exterior. So, don’t skip this step—set that oven and let it warm up while you prepare the rest!
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. I usually use my hands for this part because it’s the best way to ensure everything is well-mixed and the flavors meld together beautifully. Just make sure your hands are clean, and get in there! Mix until everything is nicely combined, but don’t overdo it—just enough until it all comes together.
Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This combo is where all that flavor comes from! Make sure to mix it well until the honey is completely dissolved into the liquid. It should look smooth and glossy—just like liquid gold! Trust me, you’re going to want to taste it. Just a little dip on your finger to check the flavor—it’s a must!
Combine and Form Meatballs
Now, pour that delicious sauce mixture into the chicken mixture. Gently fold it all together until every bit of chicken is coated in that savory-sweet goodness. Once it’s well combined, it’s time to form your meatballs! I like to use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture, then roll them in my hands until they’re nice and round. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—perfect bite-sized pieces!
Bake the Meatballs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place your formed meatballs on the baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between them so they can cook evenly. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through—no pink inside, please!
Prepare the Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, let’s thicken that sauce! In a small saucepan, mix the cornstarch and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency—this usually takes just a few minutes. Remember, you want it to be pourable but not too runny. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely!
Serve and Enjoy
Once your meatballs are out of the oven, drizzle that thickened sauce over the top. You can serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal. I love garnishing with extra green onions or sesame seeds for that added flair! And there you have it—delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs that are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- Quick and Easy: These meatballs come together in just 35 minutes, making them a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates an irresistible sweet and savory taste that’s totally addictive!
- Healthy Option: Using ground chicken keeps the dish lean, and you can easily pair it with veggies or brown rice for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add in your favorite spices for a personal twist!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze some for later—perfect for those days when cooking feels like too much!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs are great for family dinners or entertaining guests, and they’re sure to impress!
Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Alright, let’s make sure your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few happy accidents along the way):
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the chicken and other ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. You want them to be light and tender.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like your meatballs a bit sweeter, don’t hesitate to add a touch more honey. Or, if you prefer them with a kick, a splash of sriracha or some crushed red pepper flakes can work wonders!
- Chill the Mixture: If you find the mixture too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to form those perfect meatballs without making a mess!
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs, a cookie scoop is your best friend! They help ensure each meatball is the same size, which means they’ll cook evenly.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like grated carrot or finely chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to keep the ratios balanced!
- Check for Doneness: Always cut one meatball in half to check if it’s cooked through. If you’re unsure, an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the center.
- Let Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more juicy and flavorful!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family or friends with these flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these fantastic Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! This is just an estimate based on typical values, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
These meatballs pack a protein punch while still keeping things relatively light! Plus, you can always tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re treating yourself well!
FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe, and it’s a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but still delicious!
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs are super versatile! I love serving them over steamed rice or quinoa, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. You can’t go wrong with any of those options!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking, so they’re ready to go when you are!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove until warmed through.
Can I add different ingredients to the meatballs?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots, or even add some crushed pineapple for a sweet twist. Just make sure to keep the ratios balanced so the meatballs hold together nicely!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: 7 Flavorful Secrets to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are flavorful and easy to make. They are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Add the sauce mixture to the chicken mixture and combine well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch and water over medium heat until thickened.
- Serve meatballs with the sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- You can freeze the meatballs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, Japanese Cuisine, Easy Dinner