The combination of juicy baked chicken meatballs and a rich, sticky teriyaki glaze creates an irresistible dish packed with umami flavors. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, clinging to each meatball, making every bite full of savory-sweet goodness.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple side salad. With a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s easy to whip up, this dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen in just 30 minutes!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Toss the baked meatballs in the teriyaki sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
History and Origins of Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling food with a glaze made from soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sugar. The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese words “teri” (meaning shine or luster) and “yaki” (meaning grill or broil). While traditionally used for fish and meats in Japan, teriyaki-style dishes became widely popular in Western countries, where they are commonly adapted to include chicken, beef, and even vegetables.
The version of Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs that we enjoy today is a fusion of Japanese flavors with Western cooking methods. This dish transforms the traditional teriyaki concept into a convenient and delicious meal that can be easily baked or pan-fried, making it perfect for busy households.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: This recipe is simple to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes.
- Baked, Not Fried: Unlike traditional meatballs that are pan-fried, these are baked, making them healthier and requiring less hands-on time.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: The sauce is naturally sweetened with honey, giving it a well-balanced, flavorful glaze.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs store well in the fridge and freezer, making them ideal for batch cooking.
- Versatile Serving Options: You can serve them with rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or in a sandwich for a delicious twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use Ground Chicken with Some Fat:
Lean chicken can sometimes make meatballs dry. For the juiciest results, use ground chicken with at least 10% fat content, or mix in a little bit of ground turkey for extra moisture. - Don’t Overmix the Meat:
Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to dense and tough meatballs. Mix until just combined for a tender texture. - How to Make Meatballs the Same Size:
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure all meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly. - Make It Gluten-Free:
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free. - Double the Sauce:
Love extra sauce? Double the teriyaki sauce recipe so you have more for drizzling over rice or dipping the meatballs. - Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally until golden brown.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing:
- Place cooked and cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Simmer in teriyaki sauce over low heat until warm.
Serving Suggestions
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs pair well with a variety of sides, making them a versatile meal. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
- Classic: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice with a side of sautéed bok choy or broccoli.
- Low-Carb Option: Enjoy with cauliflower rice or a fresh Asian slaw.
- Noodle Bowl: Toss with stir-fried soba or ramen noodles.
- Appetizer: Skewer the meatballs with pineapple chunks and serve with toothpicks at a party.
- Lettuce Wraps: Wrap them in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and sesame seeds for a fresh, healthy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a similar texture. You can also mix turkey and chicken for extra flavor.
2. What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead, bake them, and store them in the fridge or freezer. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you like a thicker teriyaki glaze, increase the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and let it simmer for an extra minute until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. What can I do with leftovers?
These meatballs are delicious in rice bowls, sandwiches, wraps, or even added to soups for extra protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Baked, Not Fried: Healthier than traditional fried meatballs but still packed with flavor.
✔️ Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: No store-bought sauce needed! This version is naturally sweetened and customizable.
✔️ Meal Prep-Friendly: These meatballs store well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for batch cooking.
✔️ Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the sticky, flavorful glaze on these meatballs.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean but tender texture. You can substitute with ground turkey or even a mix of chicken and pork for more juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
- Egg: Adds moisture and keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
- Garlic & Ginger: Classic aromatics that enhance the depth of flavor. Fresh is best, but garlic and ginger paste work too.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a rich umami taste. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a toasty, nutty depth to the mixture.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, giving it its signature salty-sweet balance.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a slight tang that prevents the sauce from being too sweet. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats the meatballs beautifully.
How to Make the Best Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
1️⃣ Mix the Meatball Ingredients Properly:
Avoid overmixing the meat, as it can make the meatballs tough. Mix until just combined for a tender, juicy texture.
2️⃣ Use a Cookie Scoop for Evenly Sized Meatballs:
This ensures even cooking, so all meatballs bake at the same rate.
3️⃣ Bake, Don’t Fry:
Baking the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) allows them to cook evenly while keeping them light and healthier.
4️⃣ Make the Teriyaki Sauce Separately:
Simmer the sauce ingredients and thicken with cornstarch for a rich, sticky glaze. This ensures the sauce has the right consistency to coat the meatballs.
5️⃣ Coat the Meatballs Generously:
Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce while it’s still warm so they absorb all the delicious flavors.
Alternative Cooking Methods
✔️ Pan-Fried Method: Instead of baking, you can cook the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown on all sides. This gives them a slightly crispier exterior.
✔️ Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
✔️ Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meatballs first, then add them to a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 3-4 hours for ultra-tender meatballs.
How to Store & Reheat
📌 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
📌 Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with fresh teriyaki sauce.
📌 Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Simmer in extra teriyaki sauce for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
🥢 Classic Pairing: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice with a side of sautéed bok choy or broccoli.
🥗 Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles.
🥡 Meal Prep Bowls: Pack with steamed edamame, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices for an easy grab-and-go meal.
🌮 Fusion Idea: Use these meatballs in Asian-inspired tacos with slaw and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo.
🍢 Party Appetizer: Serve on skewers with pineapple chunks and extra teriyaki glaze for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sodium: ~750mg
This dish is high in protein, making it a satisfying meal while being lower in fat compared to traditional fried meatballs.
Conclusion
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of Japanese-inspired teriyaki sauce in a simple, healthy, and versatile dish. Whether served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a party appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.