Sticky Sesame Chicken Meatballs Flavorful Delight

January 4, 2026November 9, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch piece ginger, grated

In making Sticky Sesame Chicken Meatballs, I start with ground chicken. It gives a nice, tender texture. Next, I add breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs. They help the meatballs hold together. Then, I mix in finely chopped green onions for a fresh taste. Garlic and ginger bring a punch of flavor. These ingredients create a strong base for the meatballs.

Seasoning and Sauces

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

For flavor, I use soy sauce and sesame oil. Soy sauce adds umami, and sesame oil gives a rich, nutty taste. Honey adds sweetness and helps create that sticky texture. Black pepper and salt season the meatballs perfectly. Each ingredient plays a role in making these meatballs tasty.

Garnishes and Additional Ingredients

– 1/4 cup sesame seeds (divided)

– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for drizzling)

To finish, I roll the meatballs in sesame seeds. This gives them a lovely crunch and visual appeal. After baking, I drizzle sweet chili sauce over the meatballs. This adds a sweet and spicy kick. The garnishes make the dish look inviting and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help cook the meatballs evenly.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the meatballs from sticking and make clean-up easy.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch piece ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Forming the Meatballs

1. Mix the ingredients well until everything is combined. You want to make sure each meatball has a burst of flavor.

2. Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Roll each meatball in sesame seeds to coat them evenly. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.

Baking Process

1. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each one for even cooking.

2. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through.

3. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

4. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven. Drizzle them with sweet chili sauce while they are still warm. This makes them sticky and delicious.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

When making sticky sesame chicken meatballs, mixing well is key. Start with a large bowl. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and chopped green onions. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Next, pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands to mix until smooth. This helps all flavors blend.

For even cooking and browning, space out the meatballs on the baking sheet. Leave about an inch between each. This allows hot air to circulate. Bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Check that they reach 165°F inside. This ensures they are safe to eat.

Achieving Stickiness

To enhance the sticky texture, coat each meatball in sesame seeds. This adds crunch and flavor. The magic happens when you drizzle sweet chili sauce. This sauce makes the meatballs sticky and adds a sweet kick. Drizzle it right after baking. The warm meatballs soak up the sauce, making them extra tasty.

Serving Suggestions

For presentation, serve the meatballs on a large platter. Use toothpicks for easy snacking. Drizzle more sweet chili sauce on top to make them shine. You can also sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds for color.

Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or a fresh salad. They also go well with stir-fried veggies. This adds crunch and balance to your meal. Enjoy your flavorful delight!

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can change the ground chicken to turkey or beef. Both options work well. Turkey gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness.

If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They keep the meatballs tasty and hold the mixture together.

Flavor Variations

To boost flavor, try adding spices like cumin or paprika. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also enhance taste.

You can swap sauces too. Instead of sweet chili sauce, use teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a different kick.

Cooking Methods

You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Pan-frying gives them a nice crisp. Just heat some oil in a skillet and brown them on all sides.

Baking is easier and healthier. Just follow the recipe’s baking steps for perfect meatballs.

For a slow cooker method, place the meatballs in the cooker with sauce. Cook on low for a few hours. This makes them very tender and flavorful.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover sticky sesame chicken meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze the meatballs for later use. To freeze, place the cooled meatballs on a baking tray. Make sure they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about two hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them. You can do this in the oven or on the stovetop. Heat until they are hot and reach at least 165°F (75°C).

Shelf Life

In the fridge, sticky sesame chicken meatballs last about three days. In the freezer, they can stay fresh for up to three months. Always label your bags with the date. This way, you know how long they have been stored. Enjoying these meatballs later makes meal prep easy and fun!

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Sesame Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Here are some tips:

– Prep the meatballs: You can form the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

– Storage: Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying.

– Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the formed meatballs. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months.

– Cooking: When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some popular options:

– Steamed rice: White or brown rice balances the flavors well.

– Noodles: Serve with rice noodles or soba for a tasty twist.

– Veggies: Stir-fried or steamed veggies add color and nutrition.

– Salad: A light salad with a sesame dressing complements the dish nicely.

– Dipping sauce: Extra sweet chili sauce for dipping enhances the meal.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?

To check if the meatballs are cooked, follow these steps:

– Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (75°C).

– Look for color: The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside.

– Juices: When cut open, the juices should run clear, not pink.

These simple checks ensure your meatballs are safe and tasty.

You learned how to make sticky sesame chicken meatballs. We covered the ingredients, from ground chicken to sweet chili sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep, baking, and serving. You also got tips for cooking and flavor variations.

Now you can impress your family and friends with this tasty dish. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and methods. With these skills, you’ll create delicious meatballs everyone will lov