Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! They’re an absolute favorite in my household, and for good reason. The savory flavor of the teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, and honestly, they’re so easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made them; I was experimenting in the kitchen, and I ended up with these little flavor bombs that disappeared in minutes! My family couldn’t get enough, and now they request them all the time.
They’re perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even for meal prep—just pop them in the oven, and they do their thing while you relax. I love to serve them over fluffy rice with a side of steamed veggies, but really, you can get creative! The best part? You can feel good about indulging in these meatballs since they’re packed with protein and deliciousness. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create the most mouthwatering meatballs. The ground chicken gives them a light texture, while the breadcrumbs help keep everything together. Don’t skip on the green onions—they add a fresh crunch that elevates the dish! And of course, the combination of soy sauce and teriyaki sauce creates that irresistible glaze that makes these meatballs shine. You’ll love how simple and straightforward this list is, yet the flavors are anything but basic!
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Preheat and Mix
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because you want those meatballs to cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown on the outside. While that’s heating up, grab a big mixing bowl and throw in your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, the egg, and minced garlic. Now, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. I like to give everything a good mix with my hands—it’s messy but so fun! Just make sure not to overmix; you want to keep that tender texture.
Form and Bake the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part—forming the meatballs! I usually scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure to leave a little space between each one so they can bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe!
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, let’s whip up that delicious teriyaki sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. If you like your sauce a bit thicker, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it in. Just keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to avoid any sticking. You want it to be glossy and fragrant—so good!
Combine and Serve
Once your meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and toss them in that luscious sauce. I like to use a big bowl for this; it makes it easier to coat them evenly. Serve them warm over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some crisp veggies. They also make for great meal prep—just pack them up in containers for easy lunches! You’ll see how versatile these little bites can be, and I promise they’ll disappear quickly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs come together in a flash. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and ginger creates an explosion of savory goodness that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Each bite is juicy and bursting with flavor!
- Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken, these meatballs are a great source of protein while still being light and satisfying. You can indulge without the guilt!
- Versatile: Serve them over rice, toss them in a salad, or enjoy them as a snack. These meatballs fit perfectly into any meal plan or occasion.
- Meal Prep Friendly: They store well and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep. Cook a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have tasty lunches ready to go!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love meatballs! They’re fun to eat, and with this delicious teriyaki twist, they’ll be asking for seconds.
- Impressive Presentation: These meatballs look as good as they taste! Drizzled with sauce and garnished with green onions, they’re perfect for serving at gatherings or family dinners.
Once you get a taste of these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, I promise you’ll be hooked! They’re not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience that brings everyone to the table.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some handy tips that will elevate your meatball game and help you nail this recipe every time.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined—trust me, tender is the way to go!
- Breadcrumb Choices: If you want to switch things up, try using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. They give a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a bit of chili paste or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the mixture for some extra flavor! You can even mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers for a little crunch and nutrition boost.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether your meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer! Aim for that 165°F (74°C) mark. It’s the best way to ensure they’re safe and perfectly cooked.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, don’t hesitate to adjust it by adding cornstarch. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in while simmering until it thickens to your liking.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Just shape them and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
- Serving Suggestions: Get creative with how you serve these! Try them in lettuce wraps for a fun twist or on skewers as an appetizer. You can even toss them into stir-fries for a quick meal!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs. I can’t wait for you to try them out and share your delicious results!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition of these tasty Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! Each serving, which is about four meatballs, packs a hearty punch of flavor and nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind, though, that these numbers can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, if you’re tracking your intake, it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels. But honestly, who could resist these flavorful bites? They’re packed with protein and goodness, making them a fantastic choice for a satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Let’s dive into some common questions about these scrumptious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! I know you might have a few in mind, so I’m here to help clear things up.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer it over chicken. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by combining soy sauce, a bit of honey or brown sugar, and some garlic or ginger. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still add a tasty flavor to your meatballs!
Can these meatballs be made ahead of time?
Yes, for sure! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them, then refrigerate for up to a day before baking. They’re also fabulous for meal prep—just make a big batch and freeze them for later!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, so you can enjoy them again without losing that juicy goodness!
Can I grill these meatballs instead of baking?
Definitely! Grilling will give them a lovely smoky flavor. Just make sure to form them a bit larger since they might fall through the grill grates. Using skewers can help with that too!
What should I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
I love serving them over rice or quinoa, but you can also pair them with steamed vegetables, in lettuce wraps, or even tossed into a salad. The options are endless!
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, they can be gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce. There are great alternatives available, so you can still enjoy that fabulous flavor!
If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you get the most out of your cooking adventures with these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs fresh for your next meal! Proper storage is key to maintaining their flavor and texture, so here’s what I recommend.
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, pop those meatballs in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to lock in all that yummy flavor!
If you want to save them for later, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Trust me, having these in your freezer is a lifesaver for busy nights!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of great options! For the microwave, just pop a few meatballs on a plate, cover them with a damp paper towel (this helps keep them moist), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatballs in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them nice and juicy.
Whichever way you choose to reheat, you might want to drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce over them just before serving. It adds a fantastic touch of flavor and makes them feel fresh again! Enjoy your leftovers; I know they’ll be just as delightful the second time around!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: 7 Savory Secrets You’ll Love
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious teriyaki chicken meatballs served with a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Heat until simmering.
- Once meatballs are done, toss them in the sauce.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding cornstarch if needed.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs