Irresistible Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

Crispy meatballs dancing with sweet and spicy sesame glaze can turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor adventure.

The magic starts when tender chicken meets bold Asian-inspired seasonings.

Fragrant garlic and ginger whisper their aromatic secrets into each perfectly seasoned bite.

Crunchy vegetables and fluffy rice create a delightful canvas for these mouthwatering meatballs.

Chili flakes add a playful kick that sparks excitement on your palate.

Sesame seeds provide a delicate nutty crunch that makes each mouthful irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible culinary creation.

Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Bowls That Hit Every Flavor

• Delivers bold, tangy sesame chicken taste with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Requires only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet fast meals.
• Allows easy protein and veggie swaps, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and family needs.
• Uses lean ground chicken, fresh ingredients, and baking method instead of traditional deep-frying, creating a nutritious twist on classic takeout.

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein foundation for the meatballs, provides tender and light texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps retain moisture in the meatballs.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and classic savory flavor.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to both meatballs and sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Introduces spicy kick and heat.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create glossy consistency.

• Rice: Neutral base for serving the meatballs.
• Carrots: Adds fresh crunch and color.
• Cucumbers: Provides crisp, refreshing element.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Prep Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend ingredients gently until just combined. Roll mixture into bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Slide meatballs into the oven. Roast for 15-18 minutes until fully cooked. Check internal temperature reaches 165F.

Step 3: Craft Saucy Sensation

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha
• Sesame oil

Simmer over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze with Flavor

Coat hot meatballs completely in the spicy-sweet sauce.

Step 5: Build Beautiful Bowls

• Glazed meatballs
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced cucumbers

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds for the final touch.

Tips for Bold Flavors in Your Sesame Chicken Bowls

• Customize Meat Texture: Mix ground chicken gently to prevent tough meatballs; overmixing can make them dense and chewy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of toasted sesame oil to the meatball mixture for an enhanced nutty undertone that complements the sweet and spicy sauce.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time; they'll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a versatile recipe that accommodates different dietary preferences.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Meatballs Smoothly

• Store leftover meatballs and rice in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Warm meatballs in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice before microwaving to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second increments, fluffing with a fork between intervals to prevent clumping.
• Add fresh green onions and sesame seeds after reheating to maintain crispness and maximize flavor profile.

Great Pairings for Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

• Crisp Asian-inspired beer like Sapporo or Tsingtao perfectly complements the sweet and spicy flavor profile, cutting through the richness of the chicken meatballs.
• Riesling wine offers a delightful balance with its slight sweetness and acidity, matching the dish's complex sauce while softening the spicy sriracha heat.
• Chilled green tea provides a clean, light counterpoint to the bold meatball flavors, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Ginger-lemongrass mocktail delivers a zesty, non-alcoholic option that mirrors the Asian-inspired ingredients, amplifying the dish's bright and tangy undertones.

Ideas to Customize Sesame Chicken Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Meatball Magic: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version while maintaining the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and reduce honey in the sauce to create a keto-friendly option that cuts down on carbohydrates without sacrificing taste.
• Lean Protein Boost: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner protein alternative that maintains the recipe's core flavor profile and nutritional balance.

Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken meatballs dance with zesty Asian-inspired flavors in this quick weeknight dinner. Fragrant rice, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy glaze create a harmonious bowl you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 large egg

Meatball Binding & Seasoning:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sweet & Spicy Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Serving Components:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if desired)

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Instructions

1. Crafting chicken meatballs requires thorough mixing of ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are harmoniously incorporated.
2. Form uniform meatball portions by scooping tablespoon-sized amounts and gently rolling into spherical shapes, then carefully arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet prepared with light greasing.
3. Roast meatballs in a preheated 400F oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F, guaranteeing complete protein cooking.
4. Simultaneously prepare the glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil in a compact saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over moderate heat.
5. Enhance sauce consistency by introducing a cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the liquid thickens and develops a glossy appearance.
6. Delicately coat freshly baked meatballs in the sweet-spicy sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Construct serving bowls by layering cooked rice as a foundational base, then artfully arranging glazed meatballs atop the grains.
8. Garnish with julienned carrots, thinly sliced cucumbers, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to complete the vibrant dish.

Notes

• Control moisture by not overmixing the chicken meatball mixture, which prevents tough, dense results and keeps the texture light and tender.
• Enhance flavor depth by toasting sesame seeds before sprinkling, releasing their nutty essence and adding a subtle crunch to the dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting sriracha quantity, allowing flexibility for those preferring milder or spicier profiles without compromising overall recipe integrity.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg