Welcome to your new go-to recipe for the most succulent and flavor-packed Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs! This dish features perfectly juicy, bite-sized ground chicken meatballs, generously coated in a glistening, sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Bursting with authentic Asian-inspired flavors, these meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them an excellent choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or a delightful component of your meal prep. Serve them warm over fluffy rice, tender noodles, or as a standalone snack to satisfy any craving.
If you’re a connoisseur of delectable meatball recipes, you’ll also adore some of our other creations, such as our vibrant Thai Chicken Meatballs, the comforting Chicken Swedish Meatballs, or our healthy Baked Keto Turkey Meatballs. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile that promises to become a family favorite.
For those who are already avid fans of classic teriyaki chicken, prepare to fall in love with this meatball rendition. Our chicken meatballs are baked to golden perfection, minimizing the need for excess oil while ensuring a tender, moist interior. Once baked, they are lovingly tossed in our rich, homemade teriyaki sauce and simmered gently until every meatball is beautifully glazed and the flavors are harmoniously blended. A final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only adds an appealing visual touch but also provides a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Why This Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a Must-Try
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Say goodbye to stressful meal planning! This recipe is designed to be on your table in just a little over 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Irresistible Umami Flavor: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the homemade sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It boasts that deep, complex umami flavor that is a hallmark of authentic Asian cuisine, creating a truly satisfying taste experience that will keep you coming back for more.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning adults, this baked teriyaki chicken meatball recipe is universally loved. Its approachable flavors and fun, bite-sized format make it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring empty plates every time.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. This recipe relies on pantry staples and readily available ingredients, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience and making it accessible for any home cook.
- Remarkably Versatile: Enjoy these meatballs as a main course with your favorite sides, pack them into lunchboxes for a delightful midday meal, or serve them as an impressive party appetizer that’s sure to disappear fast.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Juicy Chicken Meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: We recommend using lean ground chicken for lighter meatballs. Alternatively, ground turkey works beautifully and offers a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are ideal for binding and adding moisture. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for a slightly crispier texture.
- Aromatics: Freshly chopped green onion and finely minced garlic are crucial for infusing the meatballs with depth and a fragrant aroma that complements the teriyaki sauce.
- Egg: A single large egg acts as a natural binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during baking and remain wonderfully tender.
- Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and bring balance to the meatballs. Adjust to your personal taste.
For the Irresistible Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of your dish. For a gluten-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes.
- Hoisin Sauce: This rich, thick sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes, adding significant depth of flavor. While traditional hoisin often contains soy sauce and isn’t gluten-free, many gluten-free hoisin sauce options are now available.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar (preferably unseasoned) contributes a mild, slightly sweet tanginess that brightens the sauce and balances its richness.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds the characteristic sweetness to teriyaki sauce. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your preference, or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different nuanced sweetness.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture of cornstarch and water, this slurry is vital for thickening the teriyaki sauce to that desirable glossy, spoon-coating consistency.
Garnishing: Toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for a fresh finish and added texture.
How To Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Creating these delicious teriyaki chicken meatballs is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow along to achieve perfect results every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking once the meatballs are ready. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared tray aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Meatball Mixture. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and ground pepper. Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Once mixed, use an ice cream scooper or a tablespoon to scoop out uniform portions of the mixture. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a smooth, bite-sized ball. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken Meatballs. Arrange the prepared meatballs in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Baking them offers a healthier alternative to frying and ensures they remain wonderfully moist. Once baked, remove them from the oven and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Craft the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Heat a large skillet (a non-stick pan works best) over medium heat. In the skillet, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar. While it simmers, prepare your cornstarch slurry by whisking 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency that will perfectly coat the meatballs.
Step 5: Combine and Serve Your Masterpiece. Carefully add the baked chicken meatballs to the thickened teriyaki sauce in the skillet. Gently toss the meatballs until each one is thoroughly coated in the rich, sticky sauce. Allow them to simmer together for an additional minute or two, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every bite!
Important Recipe Tips for Success
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, easily transform this dish by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite Asian chili sauce into the teriyaki sauce. Start small and add more to taste.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining your meatball ingredients, mix only until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can compact the ground chicken, resulting in meatballs that are tough and dry rather than tender and juicy.
- Ensure Uniform Size: Using a cookie scoop, ice cream scooper, or a simple tablespoon to portion out your meatball mixture will ensure that all your meatballs are roughly the same size. This consistency is crucial for even cooking, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Double the Sauce for Extra Indulgence: If you’re a sauce lover or planning to use these meatballs for dipping or as part of a larger meal prep, consider doubling the teriyaki sauce recipe. A generous amount of sauce is always a good idea for maximum flavor!
- Allow Meatballs to Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes before tossing them in the teriyaki sauce. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring they remain incredibly juicy and tender.
- Meat Thermometer for Perfection: To ensure your chicken meatballs are perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Freshness Matters: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and green onions for the best flavor in your meatballs. The vibrant taste of fresh aromatics makes a significant difference.
Storing and Reheating Your Meatballs
These teriyaki chicken meatballs are excellent for meal prep and leftovers, provided they are stored and reheated correctly to maintain their quality and flavor.
Storing: Once cooked and cooled to room temperature, transfer the meatballs and any leftover sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a pan over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to create steam and keep them moist. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave in short intervals (30-60 seconds), again with a tiny splash of water and covered, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, which can dry them out.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze wonderfully! After baking and cooling completely, flash freeze the meatballs by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, freeze the teriyaki sauce separately in its own airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then combine and finish cooking as directed in step 5, ensuring they are heated through.
Exciting Meatball Cooking Variations
While baking is our preferred method for ease and health, these versatile chicken meatballs can be cooked using several other methods, each offering a slightly different texture and convenience factor:
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: For a quick and crispy exterior, the air fryer is a fantastic option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket; you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Cook until the meatballs are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Toss them with the homemade teriyaki sauce after cooking.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: The Instant Pot offers a speedy way to cook these meatballs. For extra flavor, you can use the sauté function to brown the meatballs in batches before cooking. Add about 1/2 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot, then place a steamer basket inside. Carefully arrange the meatballs in the steamer basket, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release of the pressure, then toss the cooked meatballs with your prepared teriyaki sauce.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: For a truly hands-off and tender result, the slow cooker is ideal. First, cook the meatballs using your preferred method (bake, pan-fry, or air-fry) until they are fully cooked. Transfer the cooked meatballs to your slow cooker and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce evenly over them. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the meatballs to become incredibly tender.
Pan-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: If you prefer a more traditional method and a crispier exterior, pan-frying is a great choice. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly browned on all sides and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then toss with the teriyaki sauce.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
These versatile teriyaki chicken meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them adaptable to any meal or occasion.
- Rice: The classic pairing! Serve over fluffy steamed white rice, aromatic brown rice, or even a flavorful Vegetable Fried Rice. For a lower-carb option, consider our Homemade Cauliflower Rice.
- Noodles: A fantastic alternative to rice. Pair with zesty Chili Garlic Oil Noodles, hearty udon noodles, delicate ramen, or our savory Vegetable Lo Mein Noodles.
- Vegetables: Boost your meal’s nutrition with a side of vibrant veggies. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, snow peas, or asparagus are excellent choices. For a unique twist, serve them alongside a refreshing Spicy Sushi Kani Salad. Roasted carrots, bok choy, or green beans also make wonderful companions.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh and light meal, serve the meatballs in crisp lettuce cups, perhaps with some shredded carrots and cucumber for added crunch.
Common Questions About Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatball mixture up to 1 day in advance. Store the baked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply prepare the homemade teriyaki sauce, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet, and toss them in the sauce. This makes them perfect for quick weeknight meals or entertaining.
Yes, you can! While ground chicken is fantastic, this recipe is highly adaptable. If you prefer other meats, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that will yield very similar results. You can also use ground beef (we recommend a leaner blend) or ground pork for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed, especially if using a higher fat content meat.
Making this recipe gluten-free is simple! Ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For the sauce, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free alternatives. Also, confirm that your hoisin sauce is a certified gluten-free brand, as traditional versions often contain wheat.
If your teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: either the cornstarch slurry wasn’t mixed well, or the sauce didn’t come to a full boil after adding the slurry. Cornstarch requires heat to activate its thickening properties. Make sure the sauce is simmering well, and if it’s still too thin, you can mix another small slurry (1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp cold water) and slowly whisk it into the hot sauce, allowing it to cook for a minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.
More Delicious Teriyaki Recipes to Explore
If you’re captivated by the delightful flavors of teriyaki, here are more recipes from our collection that you’re sure to love:
- Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
- Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
- Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry
- Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Immerse yourself in the bold, vibrant flavors of Asia with this incredibly easy homemade Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs recipe. Not only are these teriyaki chicken meatballs a total hit with all ages, but they are also remarkably quick and simple to prepare, making them an ideal solution for any busy schedule. Whether you need a satisfying weeknight dinner idea, a convenient option for meal prep, or an impressive party appetizer, this dish delivers every time. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and delight in every juicy, flavor-packed bite.
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Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
For the chicken meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
For the homemade teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, to garnish
- ½ cup sliced cucumber, to serve on side, optional
- ½ cup julienned carrots, to serve on side, optional
- Chopped green onions, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and ground pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Using an ice cream scooper or tablespoon, scoop the meatball mixture and roll it into uniform balls. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then add the cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water). Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce in the skillet and toss gently until they are well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy: Add a little heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some Asian chili sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix meatball mixture until just combined to ensure tender meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for dipping or drizzling, consider doubling the teriyaki sauce recipe.
- Rest the Meatballs: Let the cooked meatballs rest for 5 minutes before tossing them in the sauce to keep them wonderfully juicy.