Asian Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Glaze bring together the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors. These tender, juicy meatballs are infused with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and scallions, giving them a distinctly Asian-inspired taste that is both comforting and fresh. What makes this dish truly special is the glossy homemade teriyaki glaze, which coats each meatball with a sticky, flavorful finish that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main course served over rice or noodles. The aroma of the glaze simmering with ginger and soy sauce transforms any kitchen into a fragrant, inviting space. Whether you’re craving something fun and bite-sized or a satisfying meal with an Asian twist, this recipe delivers every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something deeply flavorful without requiring complicated techniques. Chicken meatballs are naturally light and tender, and when combined with Asian aromatics like ginger and garlic, they become incredibly fragrant and juicy. The teriyaki glaze is another reason I adore this dish—it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth. The homemade glaze tastes far better than anything from a bottle and gives the meatballs a restaurant-quality finish.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a casual appetizer, meal prep it for the week, or dress it up with steamed vegetables and jasmine rice for a complete dinner. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses but never overwhelms the cook.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers a beautiful blend of flavors in a simple, approachable format. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, teriyaki flavors, or healthy protein-packed meals, this recipe will become a fast favorite. The meatballs stay moist and flavorful, and the glaze makes them irresistible. You can prepare the entire dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy households. It is also kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and customizable enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 4–6 (about 24 meatballs)
Approximate Calories: 230 calories per serving (4–5 meatballs with glaze)
Course: Appetizer or Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil for frying or brushing

For the Teriyaki Glaze

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, pepper, rice vinegar, and green onions. Mix gently.
2. Shape into mini meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
3. Heat oil in a skillet or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked (about 10–12 minutes stovetop or 12–15 minutes in oven).
5. In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add cornstarch slurry and whisk until glaze thickens.
7. Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze or brush the glaze over them.
8. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Mix the ground chicken with soy sauce, aromatics, egg, breadcrumbs, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir gently to keep the texture light.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Moisten your hands and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Pan-fry until golden and cooked through, or bake on a lined tray for a healthier method.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Heat until simmering, then add cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Step 5: Coat the Meatballs

Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze until glossy and evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while warm and sticky.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
• With stir-fried vegetables or a simple Asian slaw.
• As an appetizer with toothpicks for parties.
• Inside lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• With noodles such as ramen, udon, or soba.

Recipe Tips

• Use ground chicken thighs for even juicier meatballs.
• Add extra ginger or garlic for bolder flavor.
• Wet hands while shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this ensures even browning.
• If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of water.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for heat.

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a sweet tropical twist.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Version

Cook meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.

Sesame-Ginger Meatballs

Add toasted sesame seeds and extra ginger for deeper flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

Store meatballs and glaze in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Freeze glaze separately in a small container.

Reheating

Warm meatballs in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet or baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works very well in this recipe.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. Shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

You can, but homemade glaze tastes fresher and better.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat and don’t overcook them.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Glaze deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. The tender chicken meatballs combined with the sweet-salty glaze create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you serve them as a main dish or an appetizer, they offer a wonderfully satisfying blend of textures and flavors. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy each sticky, flavorful bite.