Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic infuses the ground chicken with a rich, savory taste, while the teriyaki glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs over steamed rice for a satisfying main course, or present them with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped scallions. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl, pour the teriyaki sauce over them, and gently toss to ensure each meatball is thoroughly coated.
- Serve: Arrange the glazed meatballs on a serving platter. For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 18 meatballs, serving about 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: For a more personalized touch, make your own teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
FAQs
How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?
To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can make them dense. Additionally, using ground chicken with a bit of fat content helps retain juiciness.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance, shape them, and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, bake the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer, then reheat and glaze with teriyaki sauce before serving.
What side dishes pair well with teriyaki chicken meatballs?
Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or a simple Asian-inspired slaw complement the flavors of the meatballs nicely.
Is it possible to cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking them?
Absolutely. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well for this recipe. If you prefer to make your own, you can combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create a homemade version.
How do I ensure the meatballs hold their shape during cooking?
Including an egg and panko breadcrumbs in the mixture acts as a binder, helping the meatballs maintain their form. Chilling the formed meatballs in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives or a mixture of mashed chick
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs (about 4 servings)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious fusion of tender, juicy meatballs and the sweet-savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. Perfect as a main dish over rice or as a party appetizer, these meatballs are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and scallions until combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce: Transfer meatballs to a bowl, add teriyaki sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey for a variation in flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar for a homemade version.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free panko and teriyaki sauce.
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