Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
It was one of those nights when I needed dinner to come together quickly, and, honestly, I was craving something a little more special than the usual weeknight routine. Enter these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! They’ve become a staple in our house, loved for their sweet and savory punch that somehow always feels a bit like a mini celebration. It’s a dish that satisfies everyone—from my youngest picky eater to my husband, who can’t help but go for seconds.
The idea for this recipe came during a spontaneous kitchen experiment when I wanted to jazz up our regular meatball dinner. Adding juicy pineapple chunks was a game-changer, and the homemade teriyaki glaze turned simple ingredients into a dish that tasted like takeout (but better!). The combination is both refreshing and hearty, making it perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
The real charm of this recipe? The way it brings smiles around the table. It’s a no-fuss meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and even on the busiest days, knowing I have this recipe up my sleeve feels like a small victory. Trust me, once you try these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, you’ll understand why they’ve become a household hit!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken or turkey meatballs work well and make the recipe even faster.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Canned pineapple chunks are a great substitute. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the dish.
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately. You can refrigerate both for up to 24 hours, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken meatballs with plant-based ones. The flavor will still be delicious with the teriyaki and pineapple.
What if I want a spicier version?
Add red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce for a kick. It’s a fantastic way to adjust the recipe to your taste!
What You Need to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:
Ingredients:
Ground chicken or turkey
Panko breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Fresh or canned pineapple chunks
Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
Brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Fresh ginger, grated
Cornstarch
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Tools & Equipment:
Mixing bowls
A baking sheet or a large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and spatula
How to Make It:
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Shape and Cook: Form the mixture into meatballs and either bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and cornstarch dissolved in water. Heat over medium until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the sauce, gently stirring to coat. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or as a fun appetizer.
Tips:
Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mixing too much can make the meatballs dense. Aim for a light touch.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, cut back on the brown sugar and add more soy sauce or vinegar.
Make It a Meal: Serve the meatballs over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete dinner. For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice is a great option.
Freeze for Later: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Just freeze them separately from the sauce, and reheat when needed.
Latest Reviews:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “My family devoured these! The sauce was so good, and it tasted like something from our favorite restaurant.” – Jessica M.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Perfect for a busy night. Next time, I might try adding a bit of heat with some chili flakes.” – Rachel L.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Easy to make, and the flavors were spot on. Even my kids, who are usually picky, loved them!” – Emily S.
🌟🌟🌟 “I liked the flavors, but I felt the sauce was a bit too sweet. I’ll adjust next time.” – Mike T.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Great dish for entertaining. I made a double batch, and it was gone in minutes!” – Sarah B.
Printable Recipe:
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Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Juicy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Easy to make, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing appetizers, featuring a rich homemade teriyaki glaze and bursts of pineapple.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Tools & Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- A baking sheet or a large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape and Cook: Form the mixture into meatballs and either bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and cornstarch dissolved in water. Heat over medium until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the sauce, gently stirring to coat. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or as a fun appetizer.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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