Juicy chicken meatballs in a creamy coconut sauce with chunks of pineapple, ginger, lime, and cilantro. It’s a sweet-savory, island-inspired dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight.
Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple
If you’re craving something sweet and savory for dinner, these easy Hawaiian Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple Coconut Sauce are a must-try. I make Asian chicken meatballs all the time, but this was my first time pairing them with a pineapple-coconut sauce, and Tommy gave it two thumbs up. While not a
traditional Hawaiian recipe, the mix of pineapple, soy sauce, and coconut milk gives that island-inspired flavor Americans often label as “Hawaiian,” making this a fun new spin on a family favorite.
Why This Works
I like to switch up dinners and experiment with new flavors, and honestly, I didn’t expect Tommy to like this so much. I typically don’t gravitate toward sweet dishes, but he loves them, including this one.
- Sweet and savory: Sweet pineapple, tangy lime, creamy coconut milk, and savory soy sauce create the perfect sweet-savory bite.
- Tender, juicy meatballs: Ground chicken stays moist thanks to scallions, garlic, and ginger worked into the mix.
- Husband-approved: A dish that satisfies both sweet and savory lovers.
- Kid-friendly: Children often prefer sweeter flavors, so this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
- Meal-prep friendly: These reheat well, so you can double the batch and enjoy them for lunch or an easy leftover dinner.
- Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, gluten-free (if subbing panko and soy sauce), high-protein, dairy-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is more info on the ingredients for the Hawaiian meatballs and sauce. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Chicken Meatball Ingredients
- Binders: Panko breadcrumbs and an egg hold the ingredients together, preventing the meatballs from falling apart.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sliced scallions
- Salt seasons the meat and enhances its flavors.
- Ground Chicken: Use 93% lean ground chicken for a high-protein, low-fat option.
Pineapple Coconut Sauce Ingredients
- Coconut Milk is the creamy base.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce for a salty umami flavor
- Brown Sugar for a touch of sweetness
- Lime Juice for bright acidity
- Pineapple Chunks: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pineapple.
- Cilantro for freshness
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Meatballs
While the meatballs bake, whip up the coconut pineapple sauce. It only takes a few minutes! See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
- Make the Meatballs: Mix all the ingredients except the chicken with a fork. Then, add the meat and combine it with the other ingredients. Adding the chicken last will prevent overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Bake chicken meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Make the Hawaiian Meatball Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients, except the cilantro, in a skillet and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- How to Serve: Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Variations
- Swap panko with regular breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Meatballs: Use gluten-free panko and swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Meat Options: Substitute lean ground turkey, pork, or beef.
- What do I do with leftover coconut milk? You could make this Mango Coconut Chia Pudding or these Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding Popsicles with the remaining milk.
- Sugar Substitute: Replace brown sugar with honey, or if you’re watching your carbs, you can omit it.
- Pineapple not in season? Use canned pineapple.
- Hate cilantro? Skip it!
- Add some heat: Simmer fresh, diced jalapeños with the sauce, or drizzle sriracha or chili crisp over your bowl.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian chicken meatballs are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Steamed jasmine rice is a classic base to soak up all that creamy pineapple coconut sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa is a heartier option with extra fiber.
- Cauliflower rice keeps it light and low-carb while still absorbing the sauce.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas, add crunch and color.
- Noodles, such as udon or soba, make a great base for an Asian fusion noodle bowl. Add some edamame and shredded carrots for a nutrition boost.
How to Meal Prep Meatballs
This Hawaiian meatball recipe is excellent for meal prep, providing a simple meal option during busy weeks. Double the recipe and then freeze it in one of two ways:
- If you plan to serve it for family dinner later, store the meatballs and sauce together in one large container or a gallon-sized bag. Then, make your side dish before serving.
- If you need quick lunches, freeze the meatballs and sauce in small containers. You can even freeze them with rice or quinoa so they are ready to eat when you thaw them later.
Storage
- Refrigerate the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for 4 days.
- Freeze for 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Then, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
More Ground Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Check out these five delicious ground chicken recipes for more dinner ideas to inspire your next meal!
Yield: servings
Serving Size: 4 meatballs with saucewith 1/3 cup sauce
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F, and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
-
Place all of the meatball ingredients except the chicken (panko, egg, scallion, garlic, ginger and salt) in a medium bowl and mix well with a fork. Add the ground chicken and mix well using the same fork. Use wet hands to shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs.
-
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them until they are cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes.
-
While meatballs cook, prepare the sauce.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and pineapple. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors.
-
When the meatballs are done, transfer the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce and coat well. Cook another minute then garnish with cilantro.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Serving: 4 meatballs with saucewith 1/3 cup sauce, Calories: 353 kcal, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 27.5 g, Fat: 20 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Cholesterol: 132.5 mg, Sodium: 822 mg, Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 9.5 g
