A satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender sesame-flavored chicken meatballs glazed in a sweet and spicy ginger-sesame sauce, served over your choice of grain with crisp broccoli and fresh garnishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep. The chicken meatballs remain moist and flavorful, while the sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and umami. Crisp-tender broccoli adds vibrant color and texture, and you can customize the bowl with your preferred grain or vegetable for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sauce

¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon red chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 teaspoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)

Meatballs

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 pound lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
1 large egg
½ cup panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 green onions, finely chopped
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Broccoli

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
3–4 cups broccoli florets

For Serving

Coconut rice, brown rice, or quinoa
Sliced scallions
Additional cilantro leaves
Chopped roasted peanuts

directions

Prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red chili paste, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and arrowroot starch until smooth. Set aside.
Mix the meatball ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Form the meatballs. Lightly oil your hands and roll the mixture into sixteen even meatballs, approximately golf-ball size.
Cook the meatballs. Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165 °F), about 10–12 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
Sauté the broccoli. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and the broccoli florets. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green with some charred edges, about 6–8 minutes.
Glaze and combine. Return the meatballs to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2–5 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs and broccoli.
Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top with the glazed meatballs and broccoli. Garnish with sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Variations

Gluten-free or paleo: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute 2–3 tablespoons of coconut flour in the meatballs. Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and brown sugar with coconut sugar.
Alternative proteins: Ground turkey, lean ground beef, or cubed tofu may be used in place of ground chicken. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Vegetable swaps: Substitute or add to the broccoli with green beans, bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for varied color and flavor.
Grain-free option: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb bowl.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs, broccoli, and sauce separately or combined in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer (cooked): Place cooled components in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Freezer (uncooked): Arrange formed meatballs on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator prior to cooking.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

You may substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or 2–3 tablespoons of coconut flour to bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or coconut flour, and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other sauces and pastes are certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey yields similarly moist meatballs and can be used one-for-one in this recipe, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking to my hands?

Lightly wet your hands or coat them with a small amount of cooking oil before shaping the meatballs.

Is it possible to use frozen broccoli?

Yes. If using frozen florets, thaw and pat them dry before sautéing to avoid excess water in the skillet.

What can I serve instead of rice?

Quinoa, rice noodles, cauliflower rice, or spiralized vegetables all pair well with the sesame chicken meatballs.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To reduce heat, omit or decrease the red chili paste and cayenne pepper. To increase heat, add extra chili paste or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

You can form and store the uncooked meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them as directed above.

How should I freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce?

Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. This prevents freezer burn and makes reheating easier.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The components store and reheat well, making these bowls perfect for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in a single, easily customizable dish. With minimal hands-on time, versatile ingredients, and straightforward storage options, this recipe is sure to become a staple for efficient weeknight cooking and meal planning. Enjoy the vibrant sauce, tender meatballs, and crisp vegetables in every satisfying bite.