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Looking for a dinner that's both a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to whip up? Our **chicken meatballs teriyaki & pineapple recipe** is the answer. Imagine juicy, tender chicken meatballs glazed in a sticky, homemade teriyaki sauce, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple. This isn't your average meatball dish; it's a flavor adventure that's ready in under 30 minutes!
Why This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe Rocks
let's get real – there are a million meatball recipes out there. But trust me, this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs recipe is different. It's not just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor party in your mouth. What makes it so special? First off, the flavor combo is insane. You've got the savory chicken, the sweet pineapple, and that classic teriyaki tang all working together in perfect harmony. It's like a culinary symphony, but way easier to make. Plus, it's super versatile. Appetizer? Dinner? Potluck superstar? These meatballs can do it all. And let's not forget the speed factor – we're talking 30 minutes, tops, from start to finish. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to rock your dinner game!
Ingredients You Need for Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
Alright, let's talk ingredients for these amazing Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs. The beauty of this recipe is that you probably have most of these things in your pantry already. First up, you'll need about a pound of ground chicken. I prefer using lean ground chicken, but if you want a little extra juiciness, go for a blend with a bit more fat. Next, grab a can of crushed pineapple – make sure to drain it well, but save the juice for the sauce! You'll also need some breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option), an egg to bind everything together, garlic, ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo), honey (or brown sugar), and your basic salt and pepper.
For the teriyaki pineapple sauce, you'll need that reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), more garlic and ginger, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken things up. Optional additions include sesame oil for a nutty flavor or red pepper flakes for a little kick. Don't be intimidated by the list – it's all pretty straightforward, and the result is totally worth it!
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Ground Chicken | 1 lb | Lean or regular |
Crushed Pineapple | 1/2 cup | Drained, juice reserved |
Breadcrumbs/Almond Flour | 1/4 cup | For binding |
Egg | 1 | Binder |
Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
Ginger | 2 tbsp | Grated |
Soy Sauce/Coconut Aminos | 1/4 cup + 1/4 cup | For meatballs and sauce |
Honey/Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp | For meatballs and sauce |
Pineapple Juice | 1/2 cup | From crushed pineapple can or bottle |
Rice Vinegar/Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tbsp | For sauce |
Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | For slurry to thicken sauce |
How to Make Chicken Meatballs Teriyaki & Pineapple: StepbyStep
ready to get cooking? Making these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs is easier than you think. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you're baking them, or heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat if you're going to pan-sear. While that's heating up, drain your crushed pineapple, making sure to reserve that precious juice for the sauce. Then, in a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, crushed pineapple, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), honey (or brown sugar), salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until it's just combined – don't overmix, or your meatballs will be tough!
Now, scoop about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball and roll them into 1-inch balls. This should give you around 20-24 meatballs. Once they're formed, you have two cooking options: baking or pan-searing. If you're baking, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown and cooked through. If you're pan-searing, heat the oil in your skillet and cook the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until they're browned and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
1. Preheat/Heat Oil | Oven to 400°F or oil in skillet | 5 minutes |
2. Mix Ingredients | Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl | 10 minutes |
3. Form Meatballs | Roll mixture into 1-inch balls | 10 minutes |
4. Cook Meatballs | Bake 18-20 min or pan-sear 3-4 min per side | 18-20 minutes |
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Your Chicken Meatballs Teriyaki & Pineapple Recipe
Meatball Mastery: Keeping Them Moist and Flavorful
Alright, let's dive into some secrets for meatball perfection. The biggest mistake people make is overmixing the meat mixture. Seriously, resist the urge to knead it like bread dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and makes the meatballs tough. Gently combine the ingredients until they're just mixed, and that's it. Also, don't overcook them! Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked meatballs are dry and sad, and nobody wants that.
Another pro tip is to chill the meat mixture for about 15-30 minutes before rolling the meatballs. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the meatballs easier to handle. And if you're short on time, you can even make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Sauce Sensations: Tweaking the Teriyaki to Your Taste
Now, let's talk sauce. The teriyaki pineapple sauce is already pretty amazing, but there's always room for customization! If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little extra honey or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or some red pepper flakes. And if you want a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a tablespoon of sesame oil or a splash of rice wine vinegar. The possibilities are endless!
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or pineapple juice to thin it out. And don't be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your liking until you achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Variation | Description | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
Spicy Teriyaki | Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes | Sweet, savory, spicy |
Sesame Teriyaki | Add 1 tbsp sesame oil | Sweet, savory, nutty |
Extra Sweet Teriyaki | Add 1-2 tbsp extra honey or brown sugar | Extra sweet, savory |
Wrapping Up Your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Adventure
So, there you have it! This **chicken meatballs teriyaki & pineapple recipe** is more than just a meal; it's a ticket to a flavor-packed experience that's both easy and impressive. From the juicy meatballs to the sweet and tangy glaze, every bite is a celebration of deliciousness. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!