Jerk Chicken Meatballs With Barbecue-Pineapple Glaze
Ingredients
- Neutral oil
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 small yellow or red onion
finely diced
- 1 egg
beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning paste
such as Grace or Walkerswood
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 packed cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small garlic clove
minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of red-pepper flakes
- plus more to tastePinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- White rice
for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and very lightly coat it with oil.
- 2
Prepare the meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, onion, egg, bread crumbs, jerk seasoning paste, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Using lightly wet hands, form the mixture into 12 meatballs, each a bit larger than a golf ball, and space them out on the prepared pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. (Alternatively, you can fry them in a nonstick pan coated in oil over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.)
- 3
While the meatballs cook, prepare the glaze: Whisk the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, red-pepper flakes and salt together in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until it reduces enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- 4
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Slowly whisk into the sauce, increase the heat to medium and stir until you reach the desired consistency. (Sauce should look like a thicker gravy.) Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
Add the meatballs to the sauce and stir until coated. Cook over medium-low heat for 2 minutes, until the meatballs are evenly glazed and deepen slightly in color. Serve hot on their own or over rice.
Jerk Chicken Meatballs With Barbecue-Pineapple Glaze
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a dish that hits all the flavor notes—salty, sweet, and spicy—in one perfect bite? These Jerk Chicken Meatballs with Barbecue-Pineapple Glaze transform the bold taste of authentic jerk chicken into an incredibly easy, versatile meal that's sure to impress.
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its intentional use of Jamaican jerk seasoning paste. This key ingredient infuses the ground chicken or turkey with deep, aromatic flavor while simultaneously ensuring the meatballs remain wonderfully moist and tender—a common pitfall when using dry spices. Paired with a vibrant, tangy barbecue-pineapple glaze, it's an unforgettable combination that elevates the humble meatball to something truly special.
Prepare for a flavor explosion where each succulent meatball delivers a rich, savory kick, beautifully balanced by the sticky, sweet, and subtly spicy barbecue-pineapple glaze. The texture is moist on the inside with a glistening, flavorful exterior, promising a delightful experience with every bite. This dish is designed to be complex in flavor but surprisingly straightforward to prepare, bringing restaurant-quality taste directly to your kitchen.
Customization & Variations
You can easily swap ground chicken for ground turkey, as both absorb the rich jerk flavors beautifully. For a fresh, aromatic finish, either chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves will complement the dish perfectly. If you prefer a bit more heat, a little extra pinch of red-pepper flakes in the glaze will turn up the spice without overpowering the other flavors.
These versatile Jerk Chicken Meatballs are perfect for game day appetizers, a lively weeknight dinner served over fluffy white rice, or even tucked into a soft roll for a unique sandwich experience. Their bold and balanced flavors make them a standout on any table.