Irresistible Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe for Tonight

Tender bites of sesame chicken meatballs dance with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors in this irresistible bowl.

The recipe blends savory protein and aromatic seasonings into a delightful meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Juicy chicken meatballs coated in a glossy sesame glaze promise a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Each forkful brings together crisp vegetables and rich, golden-brown meatballs that sing with umami depth.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

Quick to prepare and bursting with layers of flavor, these meatball bowls offer a delicious escape from mundane weeknight dinners.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creation.

Sesame Chicken Meatball Ingredient List

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein foundation for juicy, tender meatballs with a lighter texture compared to beef.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients, preventing dry meatballs.
• Egg: Natural binder that ensures meatballs hold together perfectly during cooking.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken's mild taste.
• Ginger: Brings subtle warmth and zesty brightness to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Creates balanced sweet and savory base for glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance sweet and spicy elements.
• Sriracha: Introduces spicy kick and vibrant heat to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty, rich undertone with authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce, creating glossy, clinging glaze for meatballs.

• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs sauce and provides hearty foundation.
• Carrots, Cucumbers: Fresh vegetables adding crunch and color contrast.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Final garnish for texture and visual appeal.

Tools That Help With Sticky Meatball Perfection

• Baking sheet: essential for evenly cooking meatballs in the oven.
• Parchment paper: helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large mixing bowl: perfect for combining meatball ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Small saucepan: ideal for preparing the sweet and spicy sauce.
• Whisk: helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: creates uniform meatball sizes.
• Cutting board: used for slicing cucumbers and green onions.
• Sharp knife: needed for precise vegetable cutting.
• Serving bowls: for assembling the final dish.

Cook Chicken Meatballs with Sweet & Spicy Glaze

• Create Flavor-Packed Meatball Mixture

Mix ground chicken with fragrant garlic, zesty ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. Blend everything gently to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Shape and Bake Meatballs

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet. Slide into a hot oven and cook until they’re golden and fully cooked through.

• Whip Up Tantalizing Sauce

Combine honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Let the ingredients simmer and meld together, creating a glossy, mouth-watering glaze.

• Coat Meatballs in Sticky Goodness

Toss the hot meatballs in the vibrant sauce, ensuring each morsel is completely covered in sweet and spicy deliciousness.

• Build Colorful Meal Bowls

Layer fluffy rice as a base, then crown with glazed meatballs. Top with crisp carrots, cool cucumbers, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Toasted Sesame and Even Browning

• Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and light. Gently combine ingredients just until mixed to prevent tough, dense results.
• Adjust sriracha quantity to dial heat up or down. Start with less and add more gradually for personalized spice experience that suits individual taste preferences.
• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground pork for variety. Each protein brings unique flavor profile while maintaining recipe's core texture and style.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce separately, storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave, ensuring sauce remains glossy and meatballs stay moist.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to create completely gluten-free version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Serve with Rice or Sautéed Greens

• Flavor Explosion Bowl: Layer the meatballs over steaming jasmine rice and drizzle extra sauce for a punch of tangy-sweet goodness that makes every bite memorable.
• Meal Prep: Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week that'll keep your taste buds dancing.
• Veggie Power Boost: Add roasted broccoli, edamame, or sautéed bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, satisfying meal with additional textures and flavors.
• Spice Level Customization: Keep sriracha on the side for heat lovers to adjust spiciness, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl according to their preferred taste intensity.

Store and Reheat for Dinner On Demand

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate components help maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Cooked meatballs remain delicious when refrigerated for 3-4 days. Seal containers tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freeze unglazed meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. These protein-packed bites stay tasty for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 45 minutes or microwave at 30-second intervals. Splash a little extra sauce to restore moisture and revive original taste profile.

FAQs

• Are the meatballs healthy?

Yes, these chicken meatballs are lean and protein-packed. Ground chicken is lower in fat compared to beef or pork, making them a healthier protein option. Adding vegetables like carrots and cucumbers boosts the nutritional value.

• Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How spicy are these meatballs?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to sriracha sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing sriracha amount. For mild preference, use just a small amount or omit it completely.

• Do I need special equipment to make these meatballs?

No special equipment required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, baking sheet, small saucepan, and basic kitchen utensils like a whisk and spoon. A meat thermometer helps ensure proper cooking temperature, but isn’t mandatory.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Succulent Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken meatballs shine in this quick one-pan meal that blends Chinese-inspired flavors. Zesty sauce and crisp vegetables complement tender protein, creating a satisfying dinner you can prepare in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp ginger, grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsps soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (or more for extra spice)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, if desired)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly combined.
2. Shaping and Initial Cooking: Roll mixture into consistent golf ball-sized portions and place on a lightly greased, parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400F oven for 15-18 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
3. Glaze Creation: While meatballs cook, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then introduce cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until glossy and smooth.
4. Finishing and Coating: Once meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them directly into the prepared glaze, gently turning to ensure complete and even coverage with the sweet-spicy sauce.
5. Bowl Assembly: Layer cooked rice as the base, carefully arrange glazed meatballs on top, and embellish with julienned carrots, cucumber slices, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant, textural presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking ground chicken to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Glaze Control: Simmer sauce slowly and whisk continuously to prevent burning and achieve perfect glossy consistency.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust sriracha quantity to modulate spiciness, making the dish adaptable for different heat tolerances.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg