Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs Tasty and Simple Recipe

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Ready to savor a delicious meal that’s easy to whip up? Today, I’ll show you how to make chicken teriyaki meatballs that burst with flavor. Using simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll create a dish that impresses everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs are a perfect choice. Let’s dive into this tasty and straightforward recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Glaze: The teriyaki sauce adds a rich, sweet, and savory glaze that elevates the chicken meatballs, making them irresistible.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and quick, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
  3. Healthy Option: Using ground chicken and fresh ingredients, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs without sacrificing flavor.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your taste, making this recipe versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for glazing)

– Sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for garnish

Key Notes on Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh ground chicken gives the best flavor and texture. Seasoned breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Green onions and ginger add a burst of flavor. Honey balances the salty soy sauce and sesame oil. All these ingredients work together, creating tasty meatballs.

Tips for Selecting Fresh Ingredients

When you shop, look for bright green onions without wilting. Fresh ginger should be firm and smooth. Choose ground chicken that is pink, not gray. Buy honey that is pure and not mixed with other sweeteners. These tips will help you pick the best ingredients for your Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mixture

To start, gather your ingredients. You need 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger. Also, have 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper on hand.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all these items. Use your hands to mix them well. Be careful not to overwork the mixture. This keeps the meatballs tender.

Forming the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to avoid sticking. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a plate or tray. Keep going until you use all the mixture.

Cooking the Meatballs in Skillet

Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Avoid crowding them; cook in batches if needed. Fry the meatballs for about 5 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they get a nice golden-brown color on all sides.

Glazing with Teriyaki Sauce

After browning the meatballs, it’s time for the glaze. Carefully pour 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. Gently swirl the skillet to coat each meatball evenly.

Ensuring Proper Cooking Temperature

To make sure the meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. Once they are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken teriyaki meatballs!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Meatballs

To cook meatballs perfectly, use a few simple methods. First, keep the meatballs small, about 1 inch wide. This size cooks quickly and evenly. Next, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them space to brown nicely. Use medium-high heat to sear the meatballs for a nice crust. After that, lower the heat to simmer in the teriyaki sauce. This helps the meatballs stay moist and flavorful.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake is overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make them tough. Mix just until combined, and then stop. Another mistake is not checking the meat’s internal temperature. Cooked chicken should reach 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Letting them rest helps the juices stay inside.

Improving Flavor and Texture

To enhance flavor, add more fresh ingredients. Try adding chopped cilantro or minced jalapeño for a kick. Use fresh ginger instead of dried for a brighter taste. For better texture, use a mix of breadcrumbs and panko. This adds a nice crunch. Lastly, consider letting the meatballs marinate for a bit before cooking, as this can deepen the flavors.

Pro Tips

  1. Keep It Tender: Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture.
  2. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball sizes, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Perfect Glaze: Add the teriyaki sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and enhance flavor.
  4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs like cilantro or chili flakes for a unique twist.

Variations

Switching Up the Proteins

You can easily switch out the ground chicken for other meats. Try using ground turkey, pork, or beef. Each will give a unique flavor. You can also mix meats for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the same amount, about 1 pound.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. Also, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer this, so look for tamari sauce. This keeps your dish tasty without gluten.

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

For a vegetarian or vegan dish, use plant-based meat. Many brands offer ground meat that tastes great. You can also make meatballs with beans or lentils. Just mash them, add the same spices, and form meatballs. These options are healthy and full of flavor.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

After enjoying your chicken teriyaki meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. Always let them cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Meatballs for Later Use

You can freeze chicken teriyaki meatballs for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about two hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips to Retain Flavor

To reheat chicken teriyaki meatballs, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. If you’re using a microwave, place the meatballs in a safe dish. Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, they stay moist and tasty.

FAQs

What to serve with Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs?

You can pair Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs with many tasty sides. Here are some great options:

– Steamed jasmine rice

– Stir-fried vegetables

– Noodles tossed in soy sauce

– A fresh salad with sesame dressing

Each option adds flavor and balances the meal. Rice soaks up the sauce well. Vegetables bring color and crunch.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works great! Look for a brand that you enjoy. It saves time and makes cooking easier. Just pour it over the meatballs as you would with homemade sauce.

How can I make the meatballs spicier?

To spice up your meatballs, try these ideas:

– Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

– Stir in a dash of sriracha sauce.

– Mix in some chopped fresh chili peppers.

These additions will give your meatballs a nice kick without overpowering the flavor.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, making meatballs ahead is a smart choice! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the skillet with teriyaki sauce before serving. You can also freeze them for a later meal. Just thaw and cook when ready.

In this article, we’ve covered the essential ingredients for chicken teriyaki meatballs and how to prepare them. You learned the step-by-step process for making and cooking perfect meatballs. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and offered variations for different diets. Lastly, you got useful storage and reheating advice. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Enjoy experimenting and make these meatballs your ow

- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for glazing) - Sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh ground chicken gives the best flavor and texture. Seasoned breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Green onions and ginger add a burst of flavor. Honey balances the salty soy sauce and sesame oil. All these ingredients work together, creating tasty meatballs. When you shop, look for bright green onions without wilting. Fresh ginger should be firm and smooth. Choose ground chicken that is pink, not gray. Buy honey that is pure and not mixed with other sweeteners. These tips will help you pick the best ingredients for your Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger. Also, have 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper on hand. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all these items. Use your hands to mix them well. Be careful not to overwork the mixture. This keeps the meatballs tender. Once your mixture is ready, it's time to shape the meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to avoid sticking. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a plate or tray. Keep going until you use all the mixture. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Avoid crowding them; cook in batches if needed. Fry the meatballs for about 5 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they get a nice golden-brown color on all sides. After browning the meatballs, it’s time for the glaze. Carefully pour 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. Gently swirl the skillet to coat each meatball evenly. To make sure the meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. Once they are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken teriyaki meatballs! To cook meatballs perfectly, use a few simple methods. First, keep the meatballs small, about 1 inch wide. This size cooks quickly and evenly. Next, don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them space to brown nicely. Use medium-high heat to sear the meatballs for a nice crust. After that, lower the heat to simmer in the teriyaki sauce. This helps the meatballs stay moist and flavorful. One common mistake is overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make them tough. Mix just until combined, and then stop. Another mistake is not checking the meat's internal temperature. Cooked chicken should reach 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Letting them rest helps the juices stay inside. To enhance flavor, add more fresh ingredients. Try adding chopped cilantro or minced jalapeño for a kick. Use fresh ginger instead of dried for a brighter taste. For better texture, use a mix of breadcrumbs and panko. This adds a nice crunch. Lastly, consider letting the meatballs marinate for a bit before cooking, as this can deepen the flavors. Pro Tips Keep It Tender: Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball sizes, ensuring even cooking. Perfect Glaze: Add the teriyaki sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and enhance flavor. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs like cilantro or chili flakes for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out the ground chicken for other meats. Try using ground turkey, pork, or beef. Each will give a unique flavor. You can also mix meats for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the same amount, about 1 pound. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. Also, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer this, so look for tamari sauce. This keeps your dish tasty without gluten. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, use plant-based meat. Many brands offer ground meat that tastes great. You can also make meatballs with beans or lentils. Just mash them, add the same spices, and form meatballs. These options are healthy and full of flavor. After enjoying your chicken teriyaki meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. Always let them cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can freeze chicken teriyaki meatballs for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about two hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat chicken teriyaki meatballs, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. If you're using a microwave, place the meatballs in a safe dish. Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, they stay moist and tasty. You can pair Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles tossed in soy sauce - A fresh salad with sesame dressing Each option adds flavor and balances the meal. Rice soaks up the sauce well. Vegetables bring color and crunch. Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works great! Look for a brand that you enjoy. It saves time and makes cooking easier. Just pour it over the meatballs as you would with homemade sauce. To spice up your meatballs, try these ideas: - Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. - Stir in a dash of sriracha sauce. - Mix in some chopped fresh chili peppers. These additions will give your meatballs a nice kick without overpowering the flavor. Yes, making meatballs ahead is a smart choice! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the skillet with teriyaki sauce before serving. You can also freeze them for a later meal. Just thaw and cook when ready. In this article, we’ve covered the essential ingredients for chicken teriyaki meatballs and how to prepare them. You learned the step-by-step process for making and cooking perfect meatballs. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and offered variations for different diets. Lastly, you got useful storage and reheating advice. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Enjoy experimenting and make these meatballs your own!

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Delight

Delicious chicken meatballs glazed with teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for glazing)
  • to taste sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, seasoned breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • With damp hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown color.
  • When the meatballs are nicely browned, carefully pour the teriyaki sauce over them, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes, gently swirling the skillet to coat each meatball evenly.
  • Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the skillet from heat and let them rest for a minute.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki

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