These Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Served with rice and stir-fried veggies, this meal is a healthier option, packed with flavor, and ideal for busy days.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced gingerroot
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt

Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp cornstarch

Rice:

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 pinch salt

Veggies:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• 3 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook rice by combining all rice ingredients in a rice cooker or on the stove until liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large bowl, mix the meatball ingredients. Form into meatballs using wet hands and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add snap peas, carrots, and cabbage. Season with salt and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender, then remove from heat.
4. In a large bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce ingredients. Microwave for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss the cooked meatballs in the teriyaki sauce. Serve alongside rice and veggies. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg
• Sodium: 1529 mg
• Potassium: 980 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Vitamin A: 6102 IU
• Vitamin C: 32 mg
• Calcium: 96 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Why Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs Are So Popular

The appeal of Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs lies in their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. Teriyaki sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet and salty notes, complements the soft texture of chicken meatballs. This dish is designed to be satisfying yet light, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

For those with hectic schedules, this recipe is an excellent choice. It can be prepped in advance, packed into containers for quick lunches, or scaled up for family dinners. The inclusion of stir-fried vegetables and rice makes it a complete meal, providing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.

Health Benefits of the Dish

Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional fried dishes or fast-food options. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: The ground chicken or turkey provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and energy.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The addition of fresh vegetables like snap peas, carrots, and red cabbage ensures a good intake of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Balanced Macros: The dish contains a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, making it suitable for those aiming to maintain or lose weight.
• Low in Saturated Fat: Using ground chicken or turkey instead of beef lowers the saturated fat content, promoting heart health.
• Controlled Sodium Levels: By choosing low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, the recipe can be adjusted to suit those monitoring their sodium intake.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the standout features of this recipe is its meal prep potential. Preparing multiple portions of Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs allows you to enjoy a homemade, nutritious meal throughout the week without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are some meal prep tips for maximizing efficiency:

• Batch Cooking: Prepare the meatballs in large quantities, bake them, and store them in an airtight container. They freeze well, so you can make enough for weeks ahead.
• Separate Components: Store the meatballs, rice, and vegetables separately to maintain their texture and freshness. This way, reheating becomes simpler, and you can customize portion sizes.
• Reheating Tips: Use the microwave or stovetop for reheating. Add a splash of water to the rice and vegetables to prevent them from drying out.

A Versatile and Customizable Recipe

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:

• Protein Options: Swap out ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Extra Heat: Add more chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the meatballs or sauce if you enjoy spicy flavors.
• Different Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a different texture and flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs pair wonderfully with several sides and accompaniments. While the recipe includes rice and stir-fried vegetables, here are some other ideas:

• Salads: Serve the meatballs over a bed of mixed greens with a light sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing option.
• Noodles: Replace rice with soba noodles or ramen for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Soups: Pair the dish with a light miso soup or a bowl of egg drop soup for a comforting meal.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

While the recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate the final dish:

• Uniform Meatballs: Use a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon to ensure all meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly.
• Sticky Sauce: For a glossy and thick teriyaki sauce, make sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the other ingredients before heating.
• Cook Veggies to Perfection: Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
• Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients the night before for even quicker assembly on cooking day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s practical, too. The teriyaki sauce coats the meatballs in a luscious glaze, making each bite irresistible. The combination of savory meatballs, nutty sesame oil, and crisp vegetables creates a medley of flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults. The customizable nature of the recipe ensures that it fits seamlessly into any lifestyle or dietary preference.

Conclusion

Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs are more than just a meal—they’re a solution for busy days, a flavorful escape from mundane dinners, and a health-conscious choice for those who care about what they eat. The harmonious blend of savory meatballs, sweet teriyaki sauce, and vibrant vegetables makes this dish a standout. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a quick dinner to your family, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Try these Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs today, and you’ll see why they’re bound to become a staple in your culinary rotation. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, making them a must-add to your collection of go-to recipes.