Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

🍽️Recipe for Independence: Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

From our kitchen to yours: the stories behind the recipes. Inspired by a recipe from page 65 of our cookbook

This month, we're thrilled to spotlight two of our Get Fit and Healthy participants, Danny and Bradley—best friends, roommates, and passionate home cooks. They've been working hard to master kitchen safety, meal prep, and healthy cooking techniques, and their latest creation is a true testament to their growth.

🥢 Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

Inspired by a recipe from page 65 of our cookbook, Danny and Bradley put their own spin on this classic dish. Using lean ground chicken, they crafted juicy meatballs glazed with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. The result? A flavorful, protein-packed meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.

👨‍🍳 Meet the Chefs

• Danny: A self-proclaimed grill master, Danny loves experimenting with flavors and techniques. His attention to detail ensures every dish is cooked to perfection.

• Bradley: With a knack for presentation, Bradley believes that food should be as beautiful as it is delicious. He's always ready with a smile and a helping hand.

Together, they make a dynamic duo in the kitchen, blending their skills and creativity to produce meals that are both tasty and inspiring.

🧠 Skills in Action

Through the Get Fit and Healthy program, Danny and Bradley have learned essential kitchen safety practices, including proper knife handling, food storage, and sanitation. These skills not only make cooking safer but also more enjoyable. Their confidence has grown, and it shows in every dish they prepare.

Recipe Name: Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs ( Page 65)

Contributed By: Mike Pelta

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• Meatballs:

  • 1-2 lbs ground chicken

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 3 green onions, sliced

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • Salt

  • Sesame seeds

• Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1/2 cup mirin

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

• Garlic Fried Rice:

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 4 green onions

  • 6 cloves garlic

  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

  • 3 cups cooked rice

• Stir-Fried Vegetables:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 medium red onion

  • 1 medium red bell pepper

  • 2½ cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Prepare Meatballs:

   • Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, sliced green onions, beaten egg, and 1½ tsp salt. Mix until well combined.

   • Use a scoop to shape the mixture into approximately 30 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Bake for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside.

2. Make Teriyaki Sauce:

   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and 1 cup water.

   • Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes.

   • Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare Garlic Fried Rice:

   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat.

   • Add sliced green onions and sauté for about 1 minute.

   • Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for an additional minute.

   • Add cooked rice and 1 tbsp of the prepared teriyaki sauce. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

   • Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm.

4. Prepare Stir-Fried Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat.

   • Add sliced red onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.

   • Add broccoli florets and 2 tbsp water. Season with pepper to taste.

   • Stir-fry until broccoli is bright green and still crisp, about 2-3 minutes.

   • Add 1/3 cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce and heat through.

   • Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • In a saucepan, heat the remaining teriyaki sauce until it boils.

   • Add the cooked meatballs and simmer until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

   • Serve the meatballs over the garlic fried rice, topped with stir-fried vegetables.

   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.