Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Juicy pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs glazed in a rich sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white plate.

pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs – 5 Easy Recipes You’ll Love


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Josie Thompson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1820 meatballs 1x

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

Scale
  • 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