Juicy rooster meatballs in a creamy coconut sauce with chunks of pineapple, ginger, lime, and cilantro. It’s a sweet-savory, island-inspired dinner that’s good for a weeknight.

Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple
If you’re craving one thing candy and savory for dinner, these simple Hawaiian Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple Coconut Sauce are a must-try. I make Asian rooster meatballs on a regular basis, however this was my first time pairing them with a pineapple-coconut sauce, and Tommy gave it two thumbs up. While not a
conventional Hawaiian recipe, the combo of pineapple, soy sauce, and coconut milk offers that island-inspired taste Americans typically label as “Hawaiian,” making this a enjoyable new spin on a household favourite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is extra information on the components for the Hawaiian meatballs and sauce. See the recipe card under for the precise measurements.
Chicken Meatball Ingredients
- Binders: Panko breadcrumbs and an egg maintain the components collectively, stopping the meatballs from falling aside.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and sliced scallions
- Salt seasons the meat and enhances its flavors.
- Ground Chicken: Use 93% lean floor rooster for a high-protein, low-fat choice.
Pineapple Coconut Sauce Ingredients
- Coconut Milk is the creamy base.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce for a salty umami taste
- Brown Sugar for a contact of sweetness
- Lime Juice for vibrant acidity
- Pineapple Chunks: For the perfect taste and texture, use recent pineapple.
- Cilantro for freshness
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Meatballs
While the meatballs bake, whip up the coconut pineapple sauce. It solely takes a couple of minutes! See the recipe card on the backside for printable instructions.



- Make the Meatballs: Mix all of the components besides the rooster with a fork. Then, add the meat and mix it with the opposite components. Adding the rooster final will stop overmixing, which may make the meatballs powerful.
- Bake rooster meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 12 to fifteen minutes.
- Make the Hawaiian Meatball Sauce: Combine all of the sauce components, besides the cilantro, in a skillet and simmer over medium warmth for 3 to 4 minutes.
- How to Serve: Toss the cooked meatballs within the sauce and garnish with cilantro.

Variations
- Swap panko with common breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Meatballs: Use gluten-free panko and swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Meat Options: Substitute lean floor turkey, pork, or beef.
- What do I do with leftover coconut milk? You might 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 in the event you’re watching your carbs, you’ll be able to omit it.
- Pineapple not in season? Use canned pineapple.
- Hate cilantro? Skip it!
- Add some warmth: Simmer recent, diced jalapeños with the sauce, or drizzle sriracha or chili crisp over your bowl.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian rooster meatballs are versatile and pair nicely with many aspect dishes. Here are just a few of my favorites:
- Steamed jasmine rice is a basic base to take in all that creamy pineapple coconut sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa is a heartier choice with additional fiber.
- Cauliflower rice retains it gentle and low-carb whereas nonetheless absorbing the sauce.
- Roasted or steamed greens, like broccoli, inexperienced beans, or snap peas, add crunch and coloration.
- Noodles, corresponding to udon or soba, make an important base for an Asian fusion noodle bowl. Add some edamame and shredded carrots for a nutrition increase.

How to Meal Prep Meatballs
This Hawaiian meatball recipe is superb for meal prep, offering a easy meal choice throughout busy weeks. Double the recipe after which freeze it in considered one of two methods:
- If you intend to serve it for household dinner later, retailer the meatballs and sauce collectively in a single massive container or a gallon-sized bag. Then, make your aspect dish earlier than serving.
- If you want fast lunches, freeze the meatballs and sauce in small containers. You may even freeze them with rice or quinoa so they’re able to eat once you thaw them later.
Storage
- Refrigerate the meatballs and sauce in an hermetic container for 4 days.
- Freeze for 3 months.
- Thaw within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating. Then, reheat within the microwave or on the stovetop till warmed by.

More Ground Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Check out these 5 scrumptious floor rooster recipes for extra dinner concepts to encourage your subsequent meal!
Yield: servings
Serving Size: 4 meatballs with saucewith 1/3 cup sauce
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Preheat the oven to 400°F, and modify the oven rack to the center place. Line a big, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and put aside.
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Place the entire meatball components besides the rooster (panko, egg, scallion, garlic, ginger and salt) in a medium bowl and blend nicely with a fork. Add the bottom rooster and blend nicely utilizing the identical fork. Use moist palms to form the combination into roughly 16 meatballs.
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Arrange the meatballs on the ready baking sheet. Bake them till they’re cooked by, about 12 to fifteen minutes.
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While meatballs cook dinner, put together the sauce.
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Heat a big skillet over medium warmth and add the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and pineapple. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to mix flavors.
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When the meatballs are achieved, switch the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce and coat nicely. Cook one other minute then garnish with cilantro.
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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
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