Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

Introduction

Looking for a flavorful and fun twist on traditional meatballs? These Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are packed with juicy chicken, a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, and a touch of pineapple for an extra tropical flair. These meatballs are a perfect appetizer, a satisfying main dish when served with rice, or even a great addition to a party spread. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a dinner, these meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults alike. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and super easy to make!

History of the Dish

Teriyaki chicken is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, where it is typically made by grilling or broiling chicken and glazing it with a sweet soy sauce-based marinade. The combination of pineapple and teriyaki flavors is a modern twist on this classic dish, incorporating a tropical sweetness with a savory glaze. These Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs take inspiration from traditional teriyaki chicken but are transformed into bite-sized, meatball form, making them the perfect party food or weeknight dinner option.

Health Benefits

• Chicken – A lean source of protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissues. It is low in fat and a great choice for heart health.
• Pineapple – Packed with vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain (an enzyme that aids in digestion), pineapple also provides a natural sweetness.
• Teriyaki Sauce – While teriyaki sauce does contain sugar and sodium, it can be made healthier by opting for low-sodium soy sauce and using less sugar.
• Ginger – Often found in teriyaki recipes, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with digestion.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a crunchier texture)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup canned pineapple, finely chopped (drain any excess juice)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh or ground)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh or ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple (optional, for extra pineapple flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), green onions, egg, minced garlic, chopped pineapple, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the sauce begins to simmer, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to thicken it.
4. Continue to cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to cook a bit longer.
5. If desired, add chopped pineapple to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Meatballs

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
2. Pour the pineapple teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them to coat evenly. If you want extra sauce, you can reserve some of the teriyaki sauce for drizzling over the meatballs before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter or bowl.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
3. Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs as an appetizer, over rice, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a filling meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these meatballs with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• With Vegetables: Pair the meatballs with steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to balance the dish and add more color.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for added crunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Meatball):

(Approximate values based on a recipe that makes 20 meatballs)

• Calories: ~100-120 per meatball
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

Tips for Success:

• Make It Spicy: Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Frozen Meatballs: You can make a big batch of meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw and heat them with the teriyaki sauce.
• Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and unique dish that combines the savory flavors of teriyaki with the sweetness of pineapple for a mouthwatering result. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and easy-to-make meals. Enjoy every bite of these juicy, flavorful meatballs! Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits