Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sesame Chicken Meatballs offer all the bold flavors of sesame chicken in a healthier, more manageable form. They’re easy to prep, family-friendly, and great for weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, the glaze is absolutely irresistible—balanced with sweetness, umami, and a touch of garlic and ginger. Serve them as a main course, appetizer, or part of an Asian-inspired bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Ginger (fresh or ground)
• Sesame oil
• Salt and pepper

For the sesame glaze:

• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water
• Sesame seeds
• Optional: sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, form into 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden.
5. Make the glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened and glossy.
6. Coat the meatballs: Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl or skillet. Pour the glaze over them and toss to coat evenly.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and more green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze for heat.
• Pan-fried meatballs: Instead of baking, sear in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Turkey option: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a similar flavor.
• Add veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. To freeze, let meatballs cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meatballs and refrigerate them raw up to 24 hours in advance or freeze them for later.

Are these meatballs good for meal prep?

Absolutely. They store well and reheat easily, making them great for lunches or weeknight dinners.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works just as well and can be used as a direct substitute.

What should I serve with sesame chicken meatballs?

Serve with rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Don’t overcook them, and make sure to use some fat (like sesame oil) in the mixture to retain moisture.

Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute cooked rice or crushed crackers if needed, or use almond flour for a low-carb option.

Is the glaze very sweet?

The glaze is balanced with soy sauce and vinegar, but you can reduce the honey or sugar to suit your taste.

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Yes, cook plain meatballs first, then coat them in the sesame glaze for a shortcut version.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

Not if baking, but if you prefer extra color, you can sear them in a skillet before finishing in the oven.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken Meatballs are a delicious, versatile meal that brings the bold flavors of your favorite takeout into your kitchen. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re perfect for busy nights, party platters, or weekly meal prep. Serve them over rice, noodles, or fresh greens and enjoy a savory, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Sesame Chicken Meatballs

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Sesame Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame glaze. They’re perfect served over rice, noodles, or veggies for a quick, takeout-style meal at home.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Additional green onions, for garnish

For the sesame glaze:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Form mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, water, and sriracha or red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Cook glaze over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and glossy, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl or skillet. Pour glaze over and toss to coat evenly.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a variation.
• Air fry meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes if preferred.
• Reduce honey or sugar for a less sweet glaze.
• Serve with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with glaze
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 110mg