Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious & Easy Weeknight Meal

Craving something savory, sweet, and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of chicken meatballs with the irresistible glaze of homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a flavorful appetizer, or even a fun addition to your next party spread. Forget takeout – these homemade teriyaki chicken meatballs are healthier, tastier, and surprisingly easy to make.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of savory chicken and sweet-and-tangy teriyaki sauce is simply divine.
* **Versatile:** Serve them over rice, noodles, in sliders, or as appetizers – the possibilities are endless!
* **Healthy(ish):** Made with lean ground chicken and a homemade sauce that allows you to control the amount of sugar and sodium.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will gobble these up!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the meatballs and the teriyaki sauce:

**For the Chicken Meatballs:**

* **Ground Chicken:** Lean ground chicken is the base of our meatballs. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and airy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can also be used but may result in a denser meatball.
* **Egg:** Acts as a binder, holding the meatballs together.
* **Green Onions:** Adds a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds umami and saltiness to the meatballs.
* **Sesame Oil:** A drizzle of sesame oil enhances the flavor with its nutty aroma.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To taste.

**For the Teriyaki Sauce:**

* **Soy Sauce:** The foundation of the teriyaki sauce, providing that signature salty flavor.
* **Mirin:** A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar.
* **Sake (Optional):** Adds another layer of flavor. You can omit it if you don’t have it on hand.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Honey:** Contributes to the glaze-like consistency and adds a touch of floral sweetness.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger complements the ginger in the meatballs.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a savory element to the sauce.
* **Cornstarch:** Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. Mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping.
* **Water:** To adjust the consistency of the sauce.
* **Sesame Seeds (for garnish):** Adds a visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
* **Green Onions (for garnish):** Adds a pop of color and freshness.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.

**Step 2: Cook the Meatballs**

There are several ways to cook the meatballs. Here are a few options:

* **Oven-Baked:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. This is a healthier option as it requires no added oil.
* **Pan-Fried:** Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Pan-frying provides a nice sear and adds flavor.
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Air frying offers a quick and easy way to cook the meatballs with minimal oil.

**Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce**

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Continue to simmer the sauce, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out.

**Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce**

1. If you pan-fried the meatballs, drain any excess oil from the skillet.
2. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce.
3. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly with the sauce.
4. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to further adhere to the meatballs and infuse them with flavor.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish the Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
2. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as appetizers.

## Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Wet Your Hands:** Wetting your hands prevents the meatball mixture from sticking, making it easier to roll them into uniform shapes.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce to suit your personal preferences.
* **Control the Thickness:** Add more or less cornstarch slurry to adjust the thickness of the sauce.
* **Make Ahead:** The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The teriyaki sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, especially soy sauce and ginger, will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **With Noodles:** Toss the meatballs with your favorite noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen noodles.
* **In Sliders:** Use mini slider buns to create delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Sliders. Add a slice of coleslaw for extra crunch.
* **As Appetizers:** Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a party appetizer. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs in crisp lettuce cups.
* **In a Bento Box:** Pack the meatballs in a bento box with rice, vegetables, and other Japanese-inspired sides for a balanced and flavorful lunch.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Ground Turkey:** Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use a plant-based ground meat substitute to make vegetarian teriyaki meatballs.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Spicy Teriyaki:** Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Pineapple Teriyaki:** Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
* **Orange Teriyaki:** Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a quarter cup of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy flavor.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the meatballs in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To reheat in the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the skillet, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (depending on serving size and specific ingredients)
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

**Note:** This is an approximate estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

## Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Meatballs:**

* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1 large egg
* 2 green onions, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Teriyaki Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup mirin
* 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cold water
* 1/4 cup water (or more, to adjust consistency)
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
2. **Cook Meatballs:** Choose your preferred cooking method:
* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes.
* **Pan-Fry:** Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through (8-10 minutes).
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook meatballs in a single layer for 10-12 minutes.
3. **Prepare Sauce:** In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
4. **Thicken Sauce:** Whisk cornstarch and cold water together. Slowly pour into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until thickened (2-3 minutes). Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
5. **Combine:** Add cooked meatballs to the sauce. Toss to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or as appetizers.

Enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs!

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. The combination of juicy chicken meatballs and a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!