The moment the sweet and savory aroma of teriyaki sauce fills your kitchen, you know something special is on the way. I first created these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs during a weekend cooking session, only to find that they turned an ordinary Saturday into a delightful feast. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these juicy morsels coated in a homemade sauce that delivers flavor without any hassle.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these meatballs are your answer. Imagine serving them over fluffy rice alongside vibrant sautéed vegetables—the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Plus, they can easily be adapted to fit any dietary needs, including gluten-free options! So, grab your apron and get ready to bring a dash of Asian-inspired goodness to your table—it’s time to enjoy the comforting bite of teriyaki in every delicious mouthful!
Why love Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is a breeze, perfect for any home cook—whip it up in just 30 minutes!
Flavor Explosion: The homemade teriyaki sauce balances sweetness and a dash of spice, transforming ordinary meatballs into something extraordinary.
Versatile Delight: Serve them as a main dish or appetizer; they fit any occasion beautifully!
Health-Conscious Choice: With the option to make them gluten-free, these meatballs cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: The appealing combination of juicy meatballs and colorful vegetables offers something for everyone, making it a guaranteed hit at your next dinner gathering! Enjoy them with some sautéed goodness on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
For the Meatballs
• Ground Chicken – A lean protein base; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Large Egg – Binds the mix together and keeps meatballs moist; use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides texture and helps retain moisture; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may differ in texture.
• Grated Parmesan – Adds a rich, savory flavor; try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Fresh Parsley – Gives a burst of freshness; dried parsley can be substituted if fresh isn’t available.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Enhances the flavor profile; fresh versions can be used, but adjust moisture accordingly.
• Smoked Paprika – Introduces a smoky note; regular paprika is a suitable substitute.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasoning essentials; tweak according to taste, especially if using low-sodium soy sauce.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
• Soy Sauce – The key flavor element; use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; coconut sugar or honey works as alternatives.
• Honey – Sweetens the sauce; agave syrup can be used instead.
• Sriracha Sauce – Brings heat; vary the amount to suit your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Sesame Oil – Delivers a rich, nutty flavor; toasted sunflower oil can be a good substitute.
• Rice Wine Vinegar – Balances the sauce with acidity; apple cider vinegar can take its place.
• Ground Ginger – Adds a unique flavor; feel free to use fresh ginger with adjusted measurements.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce; arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
For Serving
• Vegetables (Zucchini, Carrot Straws, Red Cabbage) – Adds nutrition and color; swap based on your personal preferences.
• Instant Rice – Acts as the base of your meal; any variety of rice works for this recipe.
Let your culinary creativity shine while preparing these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs and rice bowls, ensuring a delightful dining experience you and your loved ones will cherish!
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures your meatballs cook evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together all the meatball ingredients until well combined. Roll the mixture into 25-30 small meatballs, making sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.Bake Meatballs:
Place the rolled meatballs on a prepared baking sheet and bake them for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they’re cooked through.Prepare Rice:
While your meatballs are baking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. For an extra flavor boost, consider cooking it with chicken stock instead of water.Sauté Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sliced zucchini, carrot straws, and red cabbage for about 4-6 minutes until they’re tender. Remove and set them aside once done.Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In that same skillet, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and your spices. Stir until the sugar has dissolved to create a delicious sauce.Thicken the Sauce:
Whisk cornstarch into a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce. Bring everything to a low boil, allowing it to thicken to a perfect consistency.Coat the Meatballs:
Once baked, toss the meatballs in the prepared teriyaki sauce until they are fully coated. Enjoy that sticky, flavorful glaze!Serve:
Serve your teriyaki chicken meatballs over the cooked rice with the sautéed veggies on the side. For an extra touch, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Optional: Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the veggies for more flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Fridge: Store the cooked teriyaki chicken meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their juicy texture and flavor.
Freezer: To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. They can also be baked from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.
Serving Reminder: Always toss the reheated meatballs in a little extra teriyaki sauce to maintain that delightful stickiness when serving over rice bowls!
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
Elevate your meal with these delightful pairings that perfectly complement the sweet and savory notes of the meatballs.
Fluffy Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the rich teriyaki sauce, enhancing each bite for maximum flavor satisfaction.
Stir-Fried Veggies: Brightly colored sautéed vegetables add crunch and nutrition; their freshness balances the richness of the meatballs beautifully.
Sesame Noodles: For a twist, serve the meatballs over sesame-infused noodles, creating a symphony of textures and savory tastes.
Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado and zesty lime create a refreshing side that cuts through the sweetness of the teriyaki, making each mouthful invigorating.
Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans offer a nutritious appetizer option, perfect for snacking while waiting for the main dish.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat provides a delightful finish, echoing the flavors of teriyaki with its sweet and savory combination.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate amid the flavors, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Variations
Feel free to get creative with your teriyaki chicken meatballs—these ideas will add a personal touch and exciting flavors!
Ground Turkey: Swap out ground chicken for ground turkey for a leaner meatball that still retains juiciness.
Baked Tofu: For a vegetarian alternative, crumble and bake firm tofu seasoned with the same spices for a delightful plant-based option.
Zoodles: Serve your meatballs over zucchini noodles instead of rice for a lower-carb dish that’s light and refreshing.
Fresh Herbs: Try adding chopped cilantro or green onions into the meatball mixture for added freshness and flavor.
Fruit Twist: Add crushed pineapple to the sauce for a fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in the meatball mixture for an extra heat that elevates the flavor profile.
Smoke Infusion: Use smoked soy sauce in the teriyaki sauce for a richer, deeper smoky flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
Rice Alternatives: Experiment with different types of rice such as jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice for varied textures and tastes.
With these variations, you’ll find the perfect way to customize your teriyaki chicken meatballs, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic meal prep solution for busy home cooks! You can prepare the meatballs and even the teriyaki sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll the meatballs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead; just refrigerate it in a sealed jar. To maintain quality, ensure that both the meatballs and sauce are completely cooled before refrigerating, which prevents unwanted moisture. When you’re ready to serve, bake the meatballs directly from the fridge or reheat them in the sauce on the stove until hot. This way, you’ll enjoy a quick, delicious meal that feels fresh and satisfying!
Expert Tips for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Ensure to use panko breadcrumbs for better texture; they create browner, crispier meatballs that are more enjoyable.
Proper Sauce Consistency: Allow the teriyaki sauce to reduce well for a sticky glaze that adheres beautifully to your meatballs, enhancing every bite.
Spice Control: Adjust the sriracha quantity according to your family’s spice preference; for mild flavors, feel free to skip it entirely.
Low-Sodium Option: Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness; this keeps the dish balanced, especially with added seasonings in the teriyaki sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra meatballs to freeze after baking; they can be thawed and reheated for quick meals, perfect for busy weeknights.
Personalize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal or favorite vegetables to accompany your teriyaki chicken meatballs, keeping your dish colorful and nutritious.
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. It retains the delicious flavors and works perfectly in this recipe, creating equally juicy teriyaki chicken meatballs!
How do I store leftover teriyaki chicken meatballs?
To store your cooked teriyaki chicken meatballs, place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they can last for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing them to retain moisture.
Can I freeze teriyaki chicken meatballs?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely after baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to the cooking.
What if my teriyaki sauce is too thin?
If your teriyaki sauce turns out too thin, whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and water. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed into 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it well into the sauce while bringing it to a low boil until the desired thickness is achieved. This ensures a lovely sticky glaze that clings beautifully to your teriyaki chicken meatballs!
Are teriyaki chicken meatballs safe for my dogs?
While your furry friend may be interested in a taste, it’s best to avoid giving teriyaki chicken meatballs to dogs due to ingredients like soy sauce and honey, which can be harmful in larger quantities. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.
What vegetables can I add to my teriyaki chicken rice bowls?
The more, the merrier! You can include a rainbow of veggies in your teriyaki chicken rice bowls. Zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots all work beautifully. Just sauté them briefly until tender, keeping the dish colorful and nutritious, perfect for pairing with your meatballs!
Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs and Rice Bowls Made Easy
Equipment
- - Oven
- - Skillet
- - Mixing bowl
- - Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Chicken Can replace with ground turkey.
- 1 large Egg Use a flax egg for vegan.
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be used.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Dried parsley can be used.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Use regular paprika if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Use gluten-free if needed.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar or honey works.
- 2 tablespoons Honey Agave syrup can be used.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce Adjust for spice preference.
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a substitute.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can be used.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be substituted.
For Serving
- 2 cups Vegetables (Zucchini, Carrot Straws, Red Cabbage) Swap based on preference.
- 2 cups Instant Rice Any rice variety works.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and roll into 25-30 small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions, optionally using chicken stock.
- In a skillet, sauté zucchini, carrot straws, and red cabbage for 4-6 minutes.
- In the same skillet, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and spices.
- Whisk cornstarch into water and stir into sauce, bringing to a low boil.
- Toss baked meatballs in the teriyaki sauce until coated.
- Serve meatballs over rice with sautéed veggies. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.