I have to tell you about this recipe. It’s one of those things that gets requested constantly in my house, and honestly, I’m just as happy to have it. Make it every time. Think of it as a meatball version of your favorite Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken bowl, but even better? What are meatballs? What is better in meatball form?What are some good pineapple teriyaki chickenAre surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
What is Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
So, what exactly are these little flavor bombs? Think juicy, tender chicken meatballs infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and coated in a rich, glossy teriyaki glaze. It’s essentially a deconstructed Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken dish, reimagined as a fun, easy-to-eat meatball. The name says it all! It’s all the flavors you love in one bite-sized package. I honestly think the best part is the glaze – it’s sticky, sweet, and has that perfect umami kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist, and I’m all about it!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I so obsessed with these things?What are the best pineapple teriyaki chickenWhat is the best way to break it down for you?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the best combination of teriyaki, pineapple, and chicken? Is it a flavor party in your mouth? I always find myself sneaking a few extra while I’m “testing” them.
- Ridiculously easyIs this recipe foolproof? Is this recipe perfect for a busy weeknight? I’ve even made it when I am totally exhausted, and it still turns out amazing.
- Budget friendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients for teriyaki sauce? What is a wallet Plus, you can easily adapt it based on what you already have in your pantry.
- Super versatile: IsIs it safe to serve meatballs over rice or noodles? What are some good ways to use lettuce in a slider?
What I love about this recipe is how family friendly it is. My kids, who can be picky eaters, devour these like they’re going out of style. What are some of the best party foods to eat? If you love my sweet and sour Chicken Recipe, but want something different, then you will absolutely love this recipe.
How do I make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
Quick Overview
Making these Is pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballIs it easier than you think? What are some good seasonings for Ground Chicken? What are some good ways to bake meatballs, and then smother them in a homemade teriyaki glaze? The glaze is the star of the show, and it’s so easy to make. Is it really that easy to make these cookies? How easy is it to make meatballs?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken: 1 kg. I prefer using lean ground chicken, but you can use ground turkey or even ground pork if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and keep them nice and tender. What are some good alternatives to regular breadcrumbs?
- 1/4 cup diced onion: Adds a nice savory flavor to the meatballs. I usually use yellow onion, but white onion works too.
- What is better with garlic?
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and helps keep meatballs moist.
- What are some good ways to add soy sauce to meatballs?
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Gives meatballs a subtle warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works just fine.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze to that perfect sticky consistency.
- How do you mix cornstarch and water together?
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple works well. If you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: To enhance the flavor and aroma.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Gives an extra flavor kick.
- What is the best way to use red pepper flakes for heat?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you remove meatballs from a food processor?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Ground Chicken, panko breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, soya sauce, salt, pepper, and pepper. Mix well. What are some of the ingredients for this recipe: ginger, sesame oil, salt, pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. How do you make meatballs?
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
How do you form a 1-inch meatball with your hands? Place them on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. I usually use a cookie scoop to make sure they’re all the same size.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze
While the meatballs are baking, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce and whisk constantly until the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Pineapple and Spices
Stir in the diced pineapple, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the pineapple is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 8: Glaze the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss them to coat evenly. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the glaze to cling to the meatballs.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. They’re delicious served over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
What to Serve It With
These pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs are so versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Over rice: A classic pairing that never disappoints. I love using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma.
- With noodles: Try serving them with egg noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti.
- As an appetizer: Thread them onto skewers for a fun and easy party snack.
- In lettuce wraps: For a lighter option, serve them in crisp lettuce cups with some shredded carrots and cucumbers.
- In sliders: These meatballs make amazing sliders! Serve them on Hawaiian rolls with a slice of pineapple and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
My family loves when I serve these with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad. They also pair really well with a tropical fruit salad.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs turn out perfect every time:
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs: This ensures that they cook evenly and look presentable.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: If you overcrowd the baking sheet, the meatballs will steam instead of bake. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce: This will help control the saltiness of the glaze.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat: This will balance out the sweetness of the glaze.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions: This adds a pop of color and flavor.
I tested this with brown sugar substitute and it was amazing; my family didn’t even notice that it was low sugar!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs are great for meal prepping and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Refrigerator: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs are seriously a game-changer. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or a meal prep option, this recipe has got you covered. They are so easy and simple that my husband actually made them himself last week (and he doesn’t cook!!)
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other meatball recipes and Asian-inspired dishes. And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let me know how your meatballs turned out! I can’t wait to hear from you, and let me know what you served them with. Happy cooking!
How to Make 17 Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Perfectly!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Chicken Lean ground chicken is best
- 0.5 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 0.25 cup Chopped Onion
- 1 tbsp Ginger Grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Teriyaki Sauce
- 0.5 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium
- 0.25 cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 0.25 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Fresh or canned
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, chopped onion, grated ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and pineapple juice until smooth.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. Toss to coat evenly. Add the pineapple chunks
- Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
