Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls
Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner?
These Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls bring together juicy baked meatballs, roasted broccoli, and a sweet-spicy sesame sauce—all in just 40 minutes!
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is packed with protein, whole grains, and bold flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to make.
- Big, bold flavors.
- Minimal cleanup.
This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights so much easier—without sacrificing taste!
For the Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Chicken – Lean protein that stays juicy when baked.
- Egg – Helps bind the meatballs together.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami depth.
- Chili Garlic Sauce – A little heat and a lot of flavor!
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic – Essential aromatics for a bold taste.
- Green Onions & Cilantro – Adds freshness and a hint of brightness.
For the Broccoli
- Broccoli Florets – Roasts beautifully and pairs well with the meatballs.
- Olive Oil – Helps achieve a light crisp when roasting.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor.
For the Sesame Sauce
- Soy Sauce – The base of the sauce, adding deep umami flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce – Brings sweetness and richness to the dish.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds a subtle tang to balance the flavors.
- Honey – A touch of natural sweetness.
- Sesame Oil – Gives that signature nutty aroma.
- Sesame Seeds – Adds texture and a light crunch.
- Chili Garlic Sauce – A hint of spice to kick things up a notch.
- Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce to coat the meatballs perfectly.
For Serving
- Cooked Brown Rice – A wholesome base that soaks up the sauce.
- Green Onions, Cilantro & Sesame Seeds – Garnish for extra flavor and texture.
Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls
Ingredients
Meatballs & Bowls
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (e.g., sambal oelek)
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Sesame Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (slurry)
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Make the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, whisk together egg, panko, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add ground chicken and mix until just combined.
- Form into small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on one side of the baking sheet.
Prepare the Broccoli:
- On the other side of the baking sheet, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread into a single layer.
Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and broccoli is tender.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.
- Bring to a boil, then stir in the slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Coat the Meatballs:
- Add baked meatballs to the saucepan and toss until fully coated.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked brown rice into bowls.
- Top with meatballs and broccoli.
- Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven—easy!
2. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Lay uncooked meatballs on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a swap. Stick with 93% lean for the best texture and flavor.
4. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even rolled oats as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed rice cereal.
5. How do I make this spicier?
If you love heat, add extra chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to both the meatballs and sauce. Spice lovers, this one’s for you!
