Hey there, fellow home cooks! Are you looking for a delicious dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying?
I’ve got just the thing: Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs.
These little flavor bombs are a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
They’re perfect when you need a quick meal.
Plus, they’re impressive enough for guests.
Seriously, they hit all the right notes.
Sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Bite for Busy Lives
Life gets hectic, right?
Between work, family, and everything else, dinner can feel like a marathon.
That’s where these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs come in.
They are a true weeknight warrior.
You can whip them up in no time.
They require minimal fuss.
You’ll have a fantastic meal on the table fast.
It’s a win-win situation.
Why This Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Recipe is a Game-Changer
I’ve made a lot of meatballs.
This recipe stands out.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The chicken stays incredibly moist.
The teriyaki glaze is simply divine.
It coats every single bite.
It makes these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs unforgettable.
You’ll want to make them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Busy schedules demand quick solutions.
This recipe delivers big flavor fast.
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are your new best friend.
They are surprisingly simple.
Yet, they taste like a gourmet treat.
You get maximum deliciousness.
It requires minimal effort.
Quick Prep, Big Flavor
You’ll be amazed by the taste.
The prep time is super short.
You can get dinner on the table quickly.
The flavor payoff is huge.
It’s a perfect weeknight meal.
Your family will be so happy.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Planning a party?
These meatballs are a guaranteed hit.
They are perfect for game day too.
Even picky eaters love them.
They disappear fast from any buffet.
Making them is a joy.
Serving them is even better.
Ingredients for Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Gathering your ingredients is the first step.
It makes the cooking process smoother.
You’ll find the full list with quantities at the end.
This list is just a guide.
The Foundation: Ground Chicken
We start with ground chicken.
It’s leaner than other meats.
It makes for wonderfully tender meatballs.
You can also use turkey if you prefer.
Binding and Flavor Boosters
Panko breadcrumbs add a nice texture.
They help hold the meatballs together.
A large egg acts as a binder too.
It ensures everything stays in place.
Minced garlic and fresh ginger add aroma.
They bring a warm, zesty kick.
These aromatics are key.
The Essential Teriyaki Glaze Components
Soy sauce forms the salty base.
It’s the heart of the savory flavor.
Mirin, a sweet rice wine, adds subtle sweetness.
It also gives the glaze a lovely sheen.
Brown sugar deepens the sweetness.
It helps create that classic teriyaki taste.
Sesame oil lends a nutty, toasted aroma.
It’s a little bit goes a long way.
Cornstarch is optional.
It thickens the glaze if needed.
Optional Garnishes for Extra Flair
Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch.
They also look quite pretty.
Thinly sliced green onions offer a fresh bite.
They provide a pop of color too.
These are simple additions.
They elevate the presentation.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs: Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking!
Making these Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is quite straightforward.
Follow these easy steps.
You’ll have deliciousness ready soon.
Step 1: Prepare for Deliciousness
First, preheat your oven.
Set it to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This prevents sticking.
It also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Meatball Mixture
Grab a medium bowl.
Combine ground chicken and panko.
Add the egg, garlic, and ginger.
Mix everything gently.
Be careful not to overmix.
Overmixing makes tough meatballs.
Step 3: Shaping Your Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Now, roll the mixture.
Make small meatballs, about 1-inch wide.
Place them evenly on your baking sheet.
Try to make them uniform in size.
This helps them bake evenly.
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake these beauties.
They need 15-18 minutes.
They should be cooked through.
No pink should be visible.
Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Step 5: Simmering the Savory Teriyaki Glaze
While they bake, make the glaze.
In a small saucepan, whisk ingredients.
Combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Add the sesame oil too.
Heat this mixture gently.
Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Let it simmer lightly.
Step 6: The Thickening Trick (Optional)
Want a thicker glaze?
Whisk cornstarch with water.
Stir this slurry into the glaze.
Cook for one more minute.
It will thicken nicely.
This step is totally optional.
Step 7: Glazing for Maximum Flavor
Take the cooked meatballs out.
Pour the warm teriyaki glaze over them.
Toss them gently to coat.
Ensure every meatball gets some glaze.
This is where the magic happens.
Step 8: A Final Touch in the Oven
Return the glazed meatballs to the oven.
Bake for just 2-3 more minutes.
This helps the glaze set.
It makes them wonderfully sticky.
Garnish before serving.
Add sesame seeds and green onions.
Your tasty Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are ready!
Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Want your meatballs to be perfect?
Follow these simple tips.
They ensure great results every time.
These are my go-to tricks.
Meatball Magic
- Don’t overmix the chicken. Gently combine ingredients.
- Use slightly damp hands for rolling. This prevents sticking.
- Bake until just cooked through. Avoid drying them out.
Glaze Goals
- Whisk the glaze ingredients well. Ensure sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer the glaze gently. Don’t let it boil rapidly.
- Thicken the glaze if needed. Cornstarch works wonders.
Equipment Needed for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
You don’t need much.
Basic kitchen tools are all you need.
This recipe is super accessible.
No fancy gadgets required.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Smart Substitutions
- Aluminum foil can replace parchment paper.
- A regular baking sheet works fine.
- A whisk can be a fork in a pinch.
Delicious Variations for Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch things up.
These variations add extra excitement.
They cater to different tastes.
Make these meatballs your own.
Spice It Up
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Mix a little sriracha into the ground chicken.
- Incorporate some finely chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Dietary Swaps
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce if needed.
- Try coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Beyond the Basics
- Add finely chopped water chestnuts to the mix.
- Include a tablespoon of peanut butter in the glaze.
- Mix in some finely chopped cilantro for freshness.
Serving these tasty Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is easy.
They are versatile.
They fit any occasion.
Here are some ideas.
They will make your meal shine.
Appetizer Perfection
- Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of extra glaze.
- Pair with a crisp lager or a light white wine.
- Offer a side of cucumber slices for freshness.
Main Course Magic
- Serve over fluffy steamed jasmine rice.
- Accompany with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers.
- Add them to noodle bowls for a complete meal.
- A side of pickled ginger cleanses the palate.
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Got questions about these delightful Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs?
I’ve got answers for you.
Let’s clear up any confusion.
You’ll be a pro in no time.
Can I make these chicken meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can!
You can make the meatballs a day ahead.
Store them in an airtight container.
Reheat them gently before glazing.
The glaze is best made fresh, though.
What are good substitutes for mirin in the teriyaki glaze?
No mirin? No problem!
Dry sherry or white wine works well.
Add a pinch of sugar to them.
This mimics mirin’s sweetness.
It’s a simple swap.
How can I make the teriyaki glaze thicker if it’s too thin?
Thickening is easy!
Whisk cornstarch with a little water.
Stir this slurry into your simmering glaze.
Cook for another minute.
It will thicken beautifully.
Are there ways to make these spicy chicken meatballs?
Definitely!
Add red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Or mix sriracha into the chicken mixture.
Finely chopped jalapeños are also great.
Adjust spice to your liking.
So there you have it!
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are more than just a recipe.
They are little pockets of joy.
They bring smiles to faces.
They make dinners less stressful.
They turn ordinary moments into something special.
I hope you love making them.
I know I do!
Enjoy every delicious bite.
Happy cooking, everyone!
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Meatballs: Flavorful Bites Await!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24–30 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and easy appetizer or main course, featuring tender chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Heat the glaze over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is simmering. If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering glaze. Cook for another minute until thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Pour the teriyaki glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
- Return the glazed meatballs to the oven for another 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine with a pinch of sugar.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-glazing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
