Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs are a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for serving over rice in a satisfying bowl meal. These meatballs are coated in a sweet and spicy sesame sauce, making them a great choice for dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet & Spicy Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Steamed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Extra green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Making Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs with Rice Bowls takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sesame Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, gochujang (or sriracha), and sesame oil.
2. Heat and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the sweet and spicy sauce over them. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly.
2. Prepare Rice Bowls: Serve the meatballs over cooked rice and top with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs with Rice Bowls (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	50g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Meat Variations: You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for different flavors.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang or sriracha in the sauce to increase or decrease the heat.
• Vegetable Options: Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy for added nutrition.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs with Rice Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, they are sure to please everyone at the table!

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the raw meatballs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.