Pineapple Jerk Chicken Meatballs
Spicy jerk chicken meatballs simmered in a sweet and perfectly sticky pineapple sauce are packed full of flavor and heavenly served over fluffy rice!
Servings 4 servings
Calories 439kcal
Ingredients
Jerk Chicken Meatballs
- 1 small scotch bonnet (or habanero) pepper, cored
- 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- 1/2 cup lightly-packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon 5-spice powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pineapple Sauce
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple, diced in 1/4-in cubes
- Hot rice and additional cilantro for serving
Instructions
Jerk Chicken Meatballs
- Combine pepper, garlic, ginger, cilantro, lime juice, soy sauce, allspice, 5-spice powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse several times until mixture is very finely chopped.
- Scrape processed mixture into a large bowl and add chicken, panko, and egg. Gently knead until combined and form into 1-in meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil and swirl pan to evenly coat. Add meatballs to pan and sear on all sides, turning occasionally with a tongs until meatballs are golden brown. Transfer meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
Pineapple Sauce
- Wipe pan clean and add pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch-water mixture. Stir sauce over medium heat until bubbly and slightly thickened. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add meatballs and diced pineapple to sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cover pan and allow to simmer over medium-low heat 5-10 minutes until meatballs register 165F. Serve meatballs warm over hot rice with cilantro on top and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 4meatballs (calculated without rice) | Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.2g | Protein: 24.5g | Fat: 18.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.7g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 843mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 24.4g | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 3mg