Description
These Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are juicy, sweet-savory bites of perfection. Made with lean ground chicken, fresh pineapple, and a sticky homemade teriyaki glaze, they’re a weeknight favorite that doubles as a party appetizer. Easy to prep, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile — these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1 egg
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp chopped green onions
For the Teriyaki Glaze:
½ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, crushed pineapple, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Avoid overmixing.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs using your hands or a small scoop. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Yields 18–20 meatballs.
Chill: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
Cook (Oven Method): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Teriyaki Glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Glaze the Meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the teriyaki glaze. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or pineapple chunks. Enjoy hot over rice, noodles, or on skewers!
Notes
Meal Prep Friendly: Store in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in air fryer or oven for best texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and reduce or omit pineapple.
Air Fryer Tip: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then glaze and air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Teriyaki Chicken
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings (4–5 meatballs per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 6 g (from pineapple and glaze)
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 20 g