If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a restaurant-worthy delight but comes together effortlessly, these Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Meatballs & Pineapple are your new go-to. Juicy chicken meatballs infused with ginger and garlic, baked alongside sweet and tangy pineapple chunks, all glazed in a luscious teriyaki sauce—this meal is a perfect balance of savory and sweet with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s all made on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a fun twist on classic meatballs, this recipe hits all the marks.

Why This Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Meatballs & Pineapple Stands Out

What makes these Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Meatballs & Pineapple truly special is the simplicity combined with mouthwatering flavor. Using ground chicken keeps the meatballs light and tender, while the grated ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth. The teriyaki glaze, made with soy sauce and honey, caramelizes perfectly in the oven, coating each meatball with a glossy finish. Adding pineapple chunks on the same pan means you get a burst of juicy sweetness in every bite without any extra effort.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, cooking everything together on one pan means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. If you love the flavors of Asian-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy the Sticky Orange Sesame Chicken Meatballs or the Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Stir Fry for more delicious dinner ideas.

Gather These Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken – lean and tender for the perfect meatball base
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – helps bind the meatballs and keeps them soft
1/4 cup green onions, chopped – adds fresh, mild onion flavor
2 cloves garlic, minced – for that classic aromatic punch
1 teaspoon ginger, grated – brings warmth and a subtle spice
1/4 cup soy sauce – the salty umami foundation of the teriyaki glaze
1 tablespoon honey – balances the soy sauce with natural sweetness
1 tablespoon sesame oil – adds a nutty, toasty depth
1 cup pineapple chunks – fresh or canned, for that juicy tropical sweetness
1 tablespoon sesame seeds – for garnish and extra crunch
Salt and pepper to taste – to season and enhance all flavors perfectly

Appliances & Accessories

Baking sheet – a rimmed sheet pan works best to hold the meatballs and pineapple juices
Mixing bowl – for combining the meatball ingredients evenly
Grater or microplane – to grate the fresh ginger
Garlic press or knife – for mincing garlic cloves finely
Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts
Spatula or tongs – for turning meatballs halfway through baking
Aluminum foil or parchment paper – optional, for easier cleanup

Step-by-Step: Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Meatballs & Pineapple

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula just until combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Add Pineapple Chunks

Scatter the pineapple chunks around the meatballs on the pan. The pineapple will roast and caramelize, complementing the savory meatballs perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Bake the meatballs and pineapple for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven. Brush the teriyaki glaze generously over each meatball and pineapple chunk. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished meatballs with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

Spring: Add chopped fresh basil or cilantro for a bright herbal note.
Summer: Toss in some diced bell peppers or snap peas for crunch and color.
Fall: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or five-spice powder for warm, aromatic depth.
Winter: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables or steamed bok choy for cozy comfort.

Don’t Do This

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
Don’t skip the glaze step—this is what gives the dish its signature glossy, sweet-savory finish.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; meatballs need space to roast evenly.
Don’t use a dark nonstick pan for baking as the sugars in the glaze can burn easily.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly. To freeze, shape and bake the meatballs (without pineapple and glaze), then cool completely. Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add fresh pineapple chunks and glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking for the best flavor.

Your Top Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the ginger, garlic, and teriyaki flavors in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount and adjust cooking time if necessary.

Is there a way to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well by opting for tamari or a certified gluten-free brand.

How can I make the pineapple chunks more flavorful?

For extra sweetness and caramelization, toss the pineapple chunks in a little honey or brown sugar before adding them to the sheet pan. You can also sprinkle a pinch of chili powder for a sweet-heat contrast.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

While this sheet-pan recipe is best baked for caramelization, you can adapt the concept for a slow cooker by combining the meatball mixture and pineapple with the glaze and cooking on low for 3-4 hours. For a slow cooker version, check out the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken for inspiration.

Try These Next

Sticky Orange Sesame Chicken Meatballs – Another vibrant take on chicken meatballs with a sticky citrus glaze.
Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Stir Fry – A quick and colorful stir fry packed with veggies and tender chicken.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken – Perfect for hands-off cooking with rich teriyaki flavor.

Time to Try It

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to dive into the delicious world of these Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Meatballs & Pineapple. The combination of juicy meatballs, caramelized pineapple, and sticky teriyaki glaze is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves, this dish brings bold flavor and simplicity together on one pan. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a hassle-free meal bursting with sweet and savory goodness. Happy cooking!

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