Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowl
Juicy chicken meatballs glazed in a sticky sweet-and-spicy sesame sauce, served over rice with fresh vegetables. It’s a takeout-style comfort bowl that’s healthier, colorful, and perfect for weeknights.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sweet & Spicy Sesame Sauce:
⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Bowl:
2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown rice)
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots (or cucumber ribbons)
1 avocado, sliced
Extra sesame seeds & green onions for topping
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll into 16–18 small meatballs.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
2. Make the Sauce
1. In a small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
3. Finish with sesame oil.
3. Glaze the Meatballs
Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until well coated and sticky.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Add rice to each bowl.
Top with broccoli, carrots, avocado slices, and glazed meatballs.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Add edamame or roasted bell peppers for more veggies.
Make extra sauce to drizzle over rice and veggies.
Tips & Notes
For crispier meatballs, broil them for 2 minutes after baking.
Adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing sriracha.
Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen — reheat and toss in fresh sauce.
Nutrition information
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 15g