Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs | Great for Meal Prep!

Teriyaki chicken meatballs are juicy, tender meatballs tossed in a sweet, sticky, savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week for easy meal prep.

For more delicious meatball recipes, try my Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, and Homemade Swedish Meatballs next!

Jump to:

• Why you will love this Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe:
• What is Teriyaki Chicken?
• Ingredients you need:
• How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:
• Pro-Tips:
• Storing and Reheating:
• Teriyaki chicken is perfect for meal prep
• FAQ:
• More Asian Inspired Recipes to Try
• 📖 Recipe
• Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!

Who knew the best teriyaki chicken recipe involved meatballs? Ground chicken meatballs are pan fried to moist, juicy perfection and then glazed with a delicious teriyaki sauce.

Once you try these, you will never buy bottled teriyaki sauce again! You and your family will enjoy each mouthwatering bite of these teriyaki chicken meatballs.

Why you will love this Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Recipe:

Perfect Party Appetizer! Serve these at baby showers, holidays, and potlucks because they are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Great for Meal Prep! These chicken meatballs freeze well so they are perfect for plan-ahead meals.

Quick and Easy! The cook time for this recipe is less than 20 minutes. Pair them with steamed rice and veggies and dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken originated in Hawaii and was created by the Japanese people who immigrated there.

Traditionally teriyaki chicken is made with chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. But I wanted to use that iconic flavor for my chicken meatballs.

Ingredients you need:

• Ground chicken: These have less fat than ground turkey or pork so they are a healthier option.
• Bread crumbs: This is a binding ingredient. Breadcrumbs also help the meatballs retain moisture so they remain juicy and tender as they cook. Use plain breadcrumbs or Panko.
• Garlic cloves: Mince fresh garlic if possible.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced for an aromatic quality.
• Seasoning: I use seasoned salt, black pepper, and ground ginger.
• Olive oil: Add this to the skillet to brown and cook the meatballs.

Teriyaki sauce:

• Soy sauce: If salt intake is a concern, you can use low sodium soy sauce.
• Hoison sauce: This is sweet, tangy, and thick. Many teriyaki chicken recipes include brown sugar but with this ingredient, it isn't necessary.
• Rice wine vinegar/rice vinegar: This adds a bit of acidity for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Sesame oil: For a toasted, nutty taste.
• Grated ginger: Fresh ginger is ideal but you can substitute it with ground ginger if necessary.
• Grated garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a strong garlic flavor but you can also use garlic powder as a substitute.
• Cornstarch: Use this to thicken the sauce.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: For garnish.

Refer to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs:

Season Meat

Combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, minced garlic, sliced green onions, seasoned salt, black pepper, and ground ginger in a large mixing bowl.

Then use a large spoon or gloved hands to stir everything until it is fully combined. 

Form Meatballs

After you roll the chicken mixture into 1-inch meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a large skillet, add olive oil and place over medium heat for about one minute.

Then add the meatballs into the skillet in one single layer. Cook each side until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Prepare Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

As the meatballs cook, make the teriyaki sauce in a separate bowl by combining the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, grated garlic, and cornstarch. 

Stir the sauce together until it is fully combined, and set it aside. 

Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet. 

Toss Meatballs in Teriyaki Chicken Sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and let it simmer over medium-high heat for about one minute. Add the meatballs into the sauce, and toss them around until they are fully coated. 

Remove them from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. 

Serve over a bed of rice, and ENJOY!

Pro-Tips:

• Meatballs cook quickly so have your other ingredients ready to go.
• Do not overcook the meatballs. Once they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F they are done.
• For a kick of spice, consider adding bell peppers or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• To make these in advance, form the meatballs then store them in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage. When you are ready to cook them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and proceed with the rest of the instructions.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover chicken teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Teriyaki chicken is perfect for meal prep

Add these teriyaki chicken meatballs to an airtight container to enjoy throughout the week as a quick grab-and-go meal. Round out your meal by adding a side of steamed rice and sauteed green beans.

FAQ:

What is teriyaki chicken sauce made of?

Traditional teriyaki sauce includes soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, and aromatics. Other ingredients include garlic, honey, ginger, and cornstarch.

Is chicken teriyaki healthy?

Although it is a great source of protein, chicken teriyaki sauce is high in calories in sodium. Adjust the list of ingredients to remedy this.

What is an easy substitute for teriyaki sauce?

In a pinch, oyster sauce can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce. It has a similar taste and consistency.

What to serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs?

These pair best with rice and steamed vegetables. Try white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice. For veggies, try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts.

More Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

• Spam Musubi
• 20 Minute Shrimp Lo Mein
• The Perfect Chili Oil Recipe
• Beef Fried Rice
• Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!