Welcome to your next easy dinner delight! This Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Skillet is quick to make and packed with flavor. You’ll find simple ingredients and easy steps to whip up a tasty meal your family will love. Plus, I’ll share tips for keeping the meatballs juicy and ways to add your favorite veggies. Ready to impress at the dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that elevates the chicken meatballs.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with ground chicken and served with steamed broccoli, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the veggies or adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
To make Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Skillet, gather these key items:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Steamed broccoli and cooked rice for serving
Optional Ingredients
You can add these extras for more flavor:
– Red pepper flakes for heat
– Fresh cilantro for a fresh touch
– Chopped bell peppers for crunch
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
If you have specific dietary needs, consider these swaps:
– Ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option
– Almond flour or oats instead of breadcrumbs for gluten-free
– Maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Crack in 1 egg to help bind the meatballs. Then, add 1 tablespoon of green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, minced ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well until it’s all combined. This step is key to getting the right flavor and texture.
Cooking the Meatballs
Now, form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. You should make around 20 meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
While the meatballs cook, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Mix until the honey dissolves. This sauce will add a sweet and savory flavor to the meatballs.
Final Assembly and Serving Suggestions
Once your meatballs are cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over them in the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and coat the meatballs. After that, remove from heat. Garnish with the remaining green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Serve the teriyaki chicken meatballs hot over steamed broccoli and rice. Enjoy your easy dinner delight!
Tips & Tricks
How to Keep Meatballs Moist
To keep meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat. Mix just until combined. The egg and breadcrumbs help hold moisture. If you want extra flavor, add some grated cheese. This can make your meatballs even juicier.
Best Cooking Techniques for Even Cooking
To cook meatballs evenly, use a large skillet. Heat the skillet well before adding the meatballs. Cook in a single layer and avoid crowding them. Turn the meatballs occasionally for even browning. This ensures they cook through without burning.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices. Try chili flakes for heat or a dash of lime juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a nice touch too. You can also mix in finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Mixture: Chilling the ground chicken mixture for about 30 minutes before forming meatballs can help them hold their shape better while cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your dish significantly.
- Control the Heat: Make sure to cook the meatballs on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more honey or soy sauce according to your preference.
Variations
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
You can make these meatballs spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha. Start with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the meat mixture. This gives a nice kick without being too hot. If you like more heat, add more flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. Adjust it to your taste. This change adds depth and excitement to each bite.
Meatball Skillet with Vegetables
Adding veggies to the skillet makes this dish even better. Use bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Cut them into small pieces and add them before the meatballs. Cook the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This will add color and nutrition to your meal. Plus, it makes for a complete one-pan dinner that everyone will love.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs. Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free as well. Tamari is a great choice as it has a similar flavor. This way, you keep all the taste without the gluten. Enjoy the same flavor and texture while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your teriyaki chicken meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps prevent drying out.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to eat leftovers, heat them on the stove. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce. Cover the skillet to keep moisture in. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing Tips for Meal Prep
If you want to freeze meatballs, make sure they are cool. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months frozen. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use turkey. Ground turkey works well in this recipe. The flavor will change slightly, but it remains tasty. Just follow the same steps for mixing and cooking.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken meatballs?
You can serve these meatballs with:
– Steamed broccoli
– Cooked rice
– Noodles
– Salad
These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
How can I make this recipe in advance?
To make it ahead, prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook them just before serving. You can also cook and store the meatballs in sauce. Reheat them gently before serving.
Is it possible to bake these meatballs instead of skillet cooking?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through. After baking, you can toss them in the teriyaki sauce on the stove for a few minutes.
This blog post covers tasty teriyaki chicken meatballs from start to finish. We discussed ingredients, with options for all diets. I shared cooking steps, tips to keep them moist, and fun variations. You can store leftovers easily and even freeze them.
In summary, these meatballs are simple and delicious. You now have all you need to create a great meal. Dive in and enjoy making these meatballs your way!
