Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Healthy Flavorful Recipe

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Are you ready to savor a tasty dish that’s also healthy? I’m excited to share my recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! This dish is packed with flavor and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and transform your dinner routine tonight!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is both sweet and savory, elevating the meatballs to a new level.
  3. Healthier Option: Using ground chicken and low-sodium soy sauce makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
  4. Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, over rice, or in a wrap, making them versatile for any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

To make tasty teriyaki chicken meatballs, gather these main ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

These ingredients create a great balance of flavors. The ground chicken gives a light taste, while soy sauce adds umami. Honey and sesame oil bring sweetness and depth.

Optional Ingredients

For extra flavor, consider adding these optional ingredients:

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • Fresh herbs like basil or mint

These can enhance the dish and tailor it to your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas:

  • Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
  • Substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.

These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets or preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Next, chop 1/4 cup of green onions and toss them in. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add that too. Finally, grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and mix everything together.

In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Pour half of this soy sauce mix into the chicken mixture. Use your hands to combine, but don’t overdo it.

Baking the Meatballs

Next, preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake these meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs bake, take the other half of the soy sauce mixture and pour it into a small saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce nicely. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in this warm teriyaki sauce. Coat them well for that delicious flavor.

Garnish your meatballs with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Meatball Texture

To make the best meatballs, keep the mixture moist. Use ground chicken, not lean chicken breast. This adds fat for flavor. Mix the chicken gently with breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Aim for a light touch when forming them.

Adjusting Flavor Profiles

Teriyaki sauce is sweet and salty. You can adjust its taste easily. Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. If you want heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Always taste the sauce before using it. This helps you find the perfect balance for your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your meatballs with steamed rice or quinoa for a tasty meal. You can also add fresh veggies like broccoli or snap peas. For a fun twist, make meatball sliders. Use small buns and top with extra teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro for a bright finish.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried versions can lack the vibrant taste that enhances your meatballs.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
  3. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
  4. Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick!

Variations

Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets

You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. If you want a lower-carb option, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free. If you follow a paleo diet, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also try ground turkey or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While baking is my go-to for these meatballs, you can also use a stovetop or grill. To cook on the stovetop, heat a little oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Then, add the teriyaki sauce to simmer until the meatballs are cooked through. If you want a smoky flavor, grill the meatballs on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often.

Creative Serving Ideas

There are many fun ways to serve these meatballs. You can place them on skewers for easy eating at parties. Serve them over steamed rice or quinoa for a full meal. You can even toss them into a salad for added protein. For a snack, pair them with some fresh veggies and extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Meatballs

After making your teriyaki chicken meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat them later, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze these meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about one hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay fresh for up to three months.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the microwave, warm them on a plate for 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are hot all the way through. Enjoy your teriyaki chicken meatballs again!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use ground turkey. It works well in this recipe. Turkey gives a lighter taste. If you choose turkey, make sure it has some fat for moisture.

What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?

You can serve these meatballs with rice or noodles. They pair nicely with steamed veggies too. Try adding a side salad for freshness. These options balance the flavors and make a great meal.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last about three to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time. Just store the meatballs in the fridge or freezer. They reheat well for quick meals during the week.

Teriyaki chicken meatballs are simple and tasty. We covered main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. You can swap ingredients to fit your diet and use different cooking methods for variety. Storing leftovers is easy, too.

Remember, cooking is about trying new flavors and having fun. Enjoy creating these delicious meatballs for yourself or to shar

To make tasty teriyaki chicken meatballs, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients create a great balance of flavors. The ground chicken gives a light taste, while soy sauce adds umami. Honey and sesame oil bring sweetness and depth. For extra flavor, consider adding these optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh herbs like basil or mint These can enhance the dish and tailor it to your taste. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. - Substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. - Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets or preferences. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Next, chop 1/4 cup of green onions and toss them in. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add that too. Finally, grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and mix everything together. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Pour half of this soy sauce mix into the chicken mixture. Use your hands to combine, but don't overdo it. Next, preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake these meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown. While the meatballs bake, take the other half of the soy sauce mixture and pour it into a small saucepan. Simmer it over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce nicely. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in this warm teriyaki sauce. Coat them well for that delicious flavor. Garnish your meatballs with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make the best meatballs, keep the mixture moist. Use ground chicken, not lean chicken breast. This adds fat for flavor. Mix the chicken gently with breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Aim for a light touch when forming them. Teriyaki sauce is sweet and salty. You can adjust its taste easily. Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. If you want heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Always taste the sauce before using it. This helps you find the perfect balance for your dish. Serve your meatballs with steamed rice or quinoa for a tasty meal. You can also add fresh veggies like broccoli or snap peas. For a fun twist, make meatball sliders. Use small buns and top with extra teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro for a bright finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried versions can lack the vibrant taste that enhances your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. If you want a lower-carb option, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free. If you follow a paleo diet, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also try ground turkey or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. While baking is my go-to for these meatballs, you can also use a stovetop or grill. To cook on the stovetop, heat a little oil in a pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Then, add the teriyaki sauce to simmer until the meatballs are cooked through. If you want a smoky flavor, grill the meatballs on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often. There are many fun ways to serve these meatballs. You can place them on skewers for easy eating at parties. Serve them over steamed rice or quinoa for a full meal. You can even toss them into a salad for added protein. For a snack, pair them with some fresh veggies and extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. After making your teriyaki chicken meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat them later, freezing is a great option. To freeze these meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about one hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the microwave, warm them on a plate for 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are hot all the way through. Enjoy your teriyaki chicken meatballs again! Yes, you can use ground turkey. It works well in this recipe. Turkey gives a lighter taste. If you choose turkey, make sure it has some fat for moisture. You can serve these meatballs with rice or noodles. They pair nicely with steamed veggies too. Try adding a side salad for freshness. These options balance the flavors and make a great meal. Leftovers will last about three to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time. Just store the meatballs in the fridge or freezer. They reheat well for quick meals during the week. Teriyaki chicken meatballs are simple and tasty. We covered main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. You can swap ingredients to fit your diet and use different cooking methods for variety. Storing leftovers is easy, too. Remember, cooking is about trying new flavors and having fun. Enjoy creating these delicious meatballs for yourself or to share!

Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
Β Β 

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
Β 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
  • Pour half of the soy sauce mixture into the ground chicken mixture and combine until just mixed. Do not overwork the meat.
  • Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, simmer the remaining soy sauce mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the thickened teriyaki sauce until well coated.
  • Garnish the meatballs with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, meatballs, teriyaki

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