Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that pleases the whole family, then Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is the perfect recipe! This dish is not only bursting with flavor, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s one of those meals that feels special enough for a gathering yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you taste these sweet and savory meatballs, they will become a regular on your dinner rotation.

What makes this recipe extra special is how the ground chicken blends beautifully with crushed pineapple to create moist and tender meatballs, all coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a delightful combination that everyone will love, and it pairs perfectly over rice for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready before you know it!
• Family-friendly: Kids will adore the sweet flavor of the pineapple teriyaki sauce, making it an easy win at the dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: These meatballs can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
• Deliciously versatile: Serve these tasty meatballs over rice or even noodles—whatever your family enjoys most!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Most of them are staples you may already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need for our Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs!

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained; reserve the juice)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to put your spin on it! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or lean beef instead of ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or carrots into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Try adding a splash of orange juice to your teriyaki sauce for an extra fruity twist.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mix if you like a little heat!

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Heat your oven to 500°. This high temperature helps to cook our meatballs quickly while keeping them juicy inside. Spray a 9×13 baking dish or cookie sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mixing thoroughly ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Form this mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs—about 21 should do!

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Place your formed meatballs in the baking dish or on the cookie sheet. Bake them for about 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°. This step is crucial for ensuring they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

While those delicious meatballs are baking away, let’s whip up our homemade teriyaki sauce! In a large skillet over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, reserved pineapple juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until everything blends nicely and the sugar dissolves.

Step 5: Thicken Up That Sauce

To thicken your sauce just right, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and add it to your skillet. Let this simmer gently for about five minutes—this will give your teriyaki that wonderful glossy finish.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Once your meatballs are fully cooked, add them directly into the skillet filled with warm teriyaki sauce. Give everything a good toss so every meatball gets coated in that luscious sauce. Simmer together for just a few moments more before serving over rice.

And there you have it—Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs ready to delight! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Cooking can be an adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your meatballs an aromatic and vibrant flavor that dried alternatives simply can’t match.

• Don’t overmix the meat: Gently combine the ingredients when making the meatballs. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the tender, juicy result you want.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar or pineapple juice to suit your taste. It’s all about making this dish your own!

• Experiment with heat: For a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. This adds depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.

• Rest before serving: Allow your meatballs to sit in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking. This helps them soak up all that delicious teriyaki flavor and makes every bite even tastier!

How to Serve Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Presenting your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs beautifully can make mealtime special. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the meatballs.

• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add an appealing crunch and nutty taste that enhances the overall texture of your dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the teriyaki sauce, making it a classic pairing that balances flavors beautifully.

• Stir-fried vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas sautéed in garlic adds vibrant color and nutrition while providing a lovely crunch alongside the tender meatballs.

• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing contrasts nicely with the richness of the meatballs, offering a crisp bite that brightens each mouthful.

With these serving suggestions, your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dining table! Enjoy creating this delicious dish for family or friends; it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! They are easy to make in advance and store well, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, heat them gently in a skillet with a bit of teriyaki sauce over medium heat until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs!

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just follow the same instructions, and you’ll have delicious meatballs.

How can I make these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that your panko breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?

These flavorful meatballs pair perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks!

Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are not just quick and easy to prepare; they bring a delightful tropical twist to your dinner table! I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring everyone enjoys something tasty. Give it a try and savor the flavors—you won’t be disappointed!