Juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Any Day

Crafting delectable pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs requires a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate.

Sweet chunks of tropical fruit mingle with tender meat, creating an irresistible combination.

Succulent ground chicken serves as the ideal canvas for this culinary masterpiece.

Marinades infused with rich teriyaki sauce bring depth and complexity to each bite.

Homemade meatballs promise a more authentic and personalized dining experience compared to store-bought alternatives.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a standout option for casual dinners or special gatherings.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

How To Cook Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Chicken Meatball Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, cracked egg, and finely chopped green onions. Use your hands to blend everything together until the mixture looks uniform and well-combined.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the mixture into round balls about the size of a golf ball. Make sure each meatball is compact and similar in size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 400°F, getting ready for roasting.

Step 4: Arrange Meatballs

Carefully place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for hot air to circulate.

Step 5: Roast Golden Meatballs

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through cooking, rotate the tray to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Create Teriyaki-Pineapple Sauce

• Teriyaki sauce
• Crushed pineapple
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Step 7: Simmer Sauce

Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

Step 8: Glaze Meatballs

Transfer roasted meatballs into the sauce, gently coating each piece completely.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Plate the glazed meatballs and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, paired with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips To Get Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Just Right

• Prep Perfectly: Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and consistent texture throughout the meatballs.
• Mold with Care: Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking and create smooth, compact shapes that hold together during cooking.
• Bake for Browning: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and prevent uneven cooking spots.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Reduce teriyaki-pineapple sauce on medium heat to concentrate flavors and create a glossy, clinging glaze for maximum taste.
• Garnish for Greatness: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sesame seeds just before serving to add vibrant color, fresh herb notes, and delightful crunch.

Fun Variations For Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs: Replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and replace honey with sugar-free sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Turkey Swap Option: Substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a similar protein profile and comparable texture in the meatball recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are dairy-free and replace egg with flax egg or chia seed mixture for those with dairy restrictions.

Best Things To Pair With Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

• Boost Sweet-Savory Harmony: Pair crisp Riesling wine with chicken meatballs to complement the teriyaki-pineapple sauce's tropical sweetness and balance the dish's umami profile.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Serve alongside crunchy cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, creating refreshing counterpoint to the rich, glazed meatballs.
• Enhance Asian-Inspired Experience: Recommend jasmine rice as perfect accompaniment, absorbing sauce's delicious flavors and providing smooth, neutral base for the vibrant chicken meatballs.
• Complement Flavor Layers: Select light Japanese beer like Sapporo or Asahi, which cuts through the sweet-tangy sauce and matches the dish's delicate Asian-fusion character.

How To Store Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Easily

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat to 350°F, spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs About Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with the same recipe method and measurements.

• How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the recipe’s texture and binding.

• Is there a way to make these meatballs spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or include sriracha in the teriyaki-pineapple sauce for extra heat.

• Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

You can mix and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator before baking.

Why Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Are A Tropical Treat

• Craft with Ease: Perfectly sized meatballs come together quickly with simple mixing and shaping techniques, making cooking stress-free for all skill levels.
• Flavor Adventure: Teriyaki-pineapple sauce transforms basic chicken meatballs into a tantalizing dish bursting with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs shine as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, adapting seamlessly to different dining scenarios and pleasing both kids and adults.
• Nutritious Comfort: Lean ground chicken provides protein-packed goodness, while fresh herbs and homemade sauce offer a healthier alternative to store-bought frozen options.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that provides a light and tender base for the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add bright and zesty flavor to the dish.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and traditional Asian-inspired taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy crumbs that help create a tender meatball texture.
• Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey: Provides sweet, salty, and umami flavor profile for the glaze.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds sweetness and tropical tang to the teriyaki sauce.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs deliver a delightful fusion of sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors. Succulent chicken mingles with tangy teriyaki sauce and juicy pineapple chunks, creating an irresistible dish that brings tropical zest to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup minced green onions

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and minced green onions in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Gently form the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter, ensuring compact and consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each to allow proper heat circulation.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the tray midway through cooking to ensure golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
6. While meatballs are roasting, prepare the teriyaki-pineapple sauce by whisking together teriyaki sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan.
7. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and flavors are melded.
8. Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the sauce, gently coating each piece to ensure complete coverage.
9. Plate the glazed meatballs and generously sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately while warm, optionally accompanied by steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Meat Texture Trick: Use cold hands when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
• Moisture Boost: Add a splash of milk or water to the ground chicken mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Healthier Protein Option: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative without compromising flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg