Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! These little gems are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up. Seriously, I can have them ready in no time, which is a lifesaver on busy days. I remember the first time I made these; the sweet and savory aroma wafted through my kitchen, and I just knew I had struck gold! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and trust me, everyone in your family will be asking for seconds. The best part? You can customize them to your liking with simple adjustments. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps those meatballs get that lovely golden brown color!
In a large bowl, go ahead and combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. I love using my hands to mix everything together; it’s the best way to ensure all those flavors meld nicely. Just make sure your hands are clean!
Now, in another bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well combined! Once it’s ready, pour this mixture into the chicken bowl and stir everything until it’s nicely mixed.
Next, it’s time to form the meatballs! I like to use about a tablespoon of the mixture for each ball—makes them the perfect bite-sized treat. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and juicy. While they’re baking, grab a small saucepan and mix the cornstarch and water over medium heat until it thickens. This will give you a nice, glossy sauce to drizzle over your meatballs when they’re done. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step! Once everything is ready, serve the meatballs with that delicious sauce drizzled on top, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Quick to prepare—whip up a delicious dinner in just 35 minutes!
- Healthy option packed with protein from the ground chicken.
- Customizable to fit your taste; feel free to adjust the sweetness or add spices!
- Great for meal prep—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
- Family-friendly and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tips for Success
To make your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to tweak the sweetness of the sauce—if you like it a little sweeter, just add a touch more honey. On the flip side, if you prefer a bolder flavor, a splash of extra soy sauce can do wonders. Also, for added texture, consider mixing in some finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the meatball mixture. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on those meatballs during baking to avoid overcooking. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about what you can expect nutrition-wise with these delightful Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s a general breakdown per serving (which is about 4 meatballs):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
So, there you have it! These meatballs are not only tasty but also provide a nice protein kick, making them a fantastic option for a balanced meal. Enjoy guilt-free snacking or serving them up for dinner, knowing you’re treating yourself to something nourishing!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and will still give you those delicious flavors. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey may require a slight adjustment.
How do I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
Once cooled, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day. You can even form the meatballs and freeze them before baking, then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for a fun party dish!
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs can be a great option for those on a gluten-free diet. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is super easy! Just let them cool completely and then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer the meatballs between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking, and they’ll last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for a quick and easy option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as we want to keep that juicy goodness intact!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, the options are endless! I love to pair them with fluffy steamed rice or a bed of quinoa for a wholesome meal. You could also sauté some vibrant vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add a fresh crunch and color to your plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them in lettuce wraps for a fun twist or over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option. And don’t forget to drizzle some of that irresistible sauce on top—it really ties everything together!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: 5 Flavorful Dinner Hacks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are flavorful and easy to make. They are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Add the sauce mixture to the chicken mixture and combine well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch and water over medium heat until thickened.
- Serve meatballs with the sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- You can freeze the meatballs before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, Japanese Cuisine, Easy Dinner