If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with savory flavor, tender texture, and a touch of sweetness, let me introduce you to this unforgettable Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe. It’s that perfect comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing something special to a gathering. Juicy chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection and bathed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki glaze create a harmony of taste that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to nailing the authentic flavor and luscious texture of your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Each one plays a unique role, from boosting umami to adding moisture and vibrant color.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The star of the dish, providing a tender and light base for the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist without falling apart.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle salty depth and richness to the chicken.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses the meatballs with a hint of salty, savory umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness to balance the savory notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have to add warmth and aromatic layers to the mixture.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Offers a pop of color and mild onion flavor for freshness.
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: The luscious glaze’s base, delivering that iconic sweet-savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a beautiful shine and balanced taste.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Provides a delightful crunch and eye-catching finishing touch.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re done forming the meatballs. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients and in a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. This trio creates the foundation for juicy, well-textured meatballs that hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Binding Agents and Seasonings
Next, crack in the egg to bind your mixture and stir in the soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. These ingredients layer in savory, aromatic, and slightly pungent notes, elevating your meatballs well beyond plain chicken.
Step 3: Mix and Shape
Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until fully combined and evenly distributed. Then, roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. Placing them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes. You want a gorgeous golden brown exterior and the internal temperature cooked through, ensuring tender, savory bites every time.
Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, gently heat teriyaki sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the honey and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it thicken slightly for 3 to 4 minutes, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Step 6: Coat and Garnish
When the meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them to a serving bowl and generously pour the luscious teriyaki glaze over the top. Toss to coat each meatball thoroughly. Finally, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds to add texture and a beautiful finishing flourish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the color but adds brightness and a nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft meatballs.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair marvelously with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, soaking up the savory glaze deliciously. A crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy provide fresh, crunchy contrasts that balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer a few meatballs on bamboo sticks to serve as party appetizers, or pile them atop a bed of noodles dressed lightly with sesame oil and soy sauce. You can even turn this dish into lettuce wraps, adding crunchy veggies and a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover teriyaki chicken meatballs keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs (unglazed) on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever a tasty meal is needed.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to preserve juiciness. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep them moist and warm through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of ground chicken breast?
Absolutely! Using dark meat adds more fat and richness, making the meatballs especially juicy and flavorful. Just adjust your cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to cook these meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, you can gently pan-fry them over medium heat until browned on all sides and cooked through. Just keep the heat moderate to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?
Definitely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce works great, making your own with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake adds an authentic touch. Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess to your taste.
What if I want a gluten-free version?
Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This simple change keeps all the great flavors intact without the gluten.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the meat mixture or the glaze for a nice kick that complements the sweet-savory profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and utterly delicious about this Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these meatballs come together easily yet deliver incredible flavor that your whole family or dinner guests will love. Give this recipe a try and bring a little bit of Asian-inspired magic into your kitchen tonight!
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Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a deliciously savory appetizer or main dish featuring tender ground chicken mixed with Parmesan, ginger, and garlic, baked to golden perfection, and coated with a sweet and sticky homemade teriyaki glaze. The combination of fresh green onions, sesame oil, and seeds adds a delightful aroma and crunch, making them perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Teriyaki Glaze
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix Meatball Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese for the meatball mixture.
- Add Egg: Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it thoroughly to bind the ingredients together.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Add soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions into the mixture and stir evenly.
- Combine Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all ingredients until well incorporated, ensuring an even flavor distribution.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake Meatballs: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Prepare Teriyaki Glaze: While baking, in a small saucepan combine teriyaki sauce, honey, and sesame oil over medium heat.
- Heat Glaze: Stir the sauce mixture occasionally until the honey dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Lower the heat and let the glaze simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Coat Meatballs: Once meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving bowl and pour the warm teriyaki glaze over them, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken meatballs hot as an appetizer or main dish, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust honey quantity in the glaze to taste for desired sweetness.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
