Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
These are more than just ordinary meatballs—they’re a crowd-pleasing twist on classic teriyaki chicken balls.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Skewers
- Basting Brush
- Tongs
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb 450 g ground chicken
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Teriyaki Glaze
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Pineapple
- 1 fresh pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until just combined.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—overworking the chicken makes the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Place each meatball on a lined plate or tray as you go.
- Pro Tip: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple
- Cut the fresh pineapple into 1-inch chunks.
- Toss the pineapple pieces with a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Pro Tip: Oil helps the pineapple caramelize nicely on the grill without sticking.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until warm and slightly thickened.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the honey—it can burn quickly if the heat is too high.
Step 5: Grill the Meatballs and Pineapple
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Thread meatballs and pineapple onto skewers if using, or place directly on the grill.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with teriyaki glaze halfway through.
- Pro Tip: Rotate skewers carefully to get even grill marks and prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove meatballs and pineapple from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
- Brush with extra teriyaki glaze for an extra glossy finish.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Protein: 22–25 g
- Carbohydrates: 18–20 g
- Sugars: 8–10 g
- Fat: 12–14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2–3 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
- Sodium: 600–700 mg