Chicken Pineapple meatballs

This is a very simple recipe to make and the meatballs go great with angel hair pasta with garlic butter. Make these in advance and freeze until you need them. Use in meatball sandwiches (with the mango salsa), pasta, or just as an appetizer.

There are many variations on these including using ground turkey instead of chicken, but i have not tried this with ground beef. I tried these when I wanted something new and lower fat than regular meatballs. NOTE: I have not tried these in spaghetti sauce.

Chicken meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken (for chunkier meatballs use finely diced chicken)
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/4 cup Teriyaki marinade
Nature's Seasoning to taste
dash ground ginger
pinch of crush garlic

mix all ingredients well in a bowl. If the mixture is too thin to form meatballs (it shouldn't be but it depends on the fat content of the ground meat) add a little panko breadcrumbs or instant mashed potato flakes. Just don't make them too dry as they do dry a little in the cooking. I like to marinate the mixture overnight but it can be used immediately.

Form meatballs in 1" rounds. Either bake them or fry them in a lightly oiled skillet. I find baking them is easier. If you bake use a 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes turning them halfway through to ensure even brownness. If you fry them use a light oil and lightly brown on all sides at medium heat then lower heat and finish cooking turning often. This should be about 10-15 minutes. The meatballs should be at least 160 internal temp. If you dont' have a meat thermometer (get one hehehehe) test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of one-if it comes out clean they are done. If all else fails cut one in half-they should be a uniform color and temp. Please make sure they are cooked thoroughly as you can get sick from under done chicken.

Serve as appetizers with pineapple chutney dipping sauce or sweet and sour sauce, on top of garlic butter angel hair pasta, or as a meatball sandwich with  mango salsa. Or experiment. Try them in your favorite dish instead of beef.