Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs Bowl
Juicy chicken meatballs glazed in a sweet-spicy sesame sauce, served over rice or noodles with fresh veggies. This Asian-inspired bowl is cozy, bold in flavor, and super satisfying.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
500g (1 lb) ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
2 garlic cloves, mince
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp ketchup (adds body & tang)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Bowl
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice/noodles)
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Extra green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into 16–18 small meatballs.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
2. Make the Sauce
1. In a saucepan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic for 1 min.
2. Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and ketchup. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (1–2 minutes).
3. Coat the Meatballs
Toss baked meatballs in the sauce until fully glazed.
4. Assemble the Bowls
1. Add rice (or noodles) to each bowl.
2. Top with broccoli, carrots, cucumber, and saucy meatballs.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes & Tips
Adjust Heat: Use less sriracha if you prefer mild flavor.
Crispy Option: Pan-fry meatballs instead of baking for a golden crust.
Meal Prep: Store components separately; assemble fresh for 3–4 days.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Turkey works just as well.
Q: Can I make the sauce sugar-free?
A: Swap honey with maple syrup or a sugar-free substitute.
Q: Do these freeze well?
A: Yes — freeze cooked meatballs without sauce, then reheat and glaze before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 820mg