Easy Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze

Okay, grab your aprons, friends! Let’s get cooking. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s one of those dishes that just brings a smile to everyone’s face – my Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze. I can almost smell it now… that perfect mix of savory ginger and sesame with a sweet and spicy kick from the chili glaze. Mmm!

I remember the first time I made these Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze. It was a weeknight, and I was feeling the pressure of getting dinner on the table quickly. I had some ground chicken in the fridge, and I was craving something with Asian-inspired flavors. I threw together a chicken meatball recipe, experimented with a sesame ginger glaze, and drizzled some store-bought sweet chili sauce on top. I popped them on a sheet pan dinner and crossed my fingers. To my surprise (and relief!), everyone absolutely loved them. My little Leo, who’s usually a picky eater, devoured them!

It wasn’t always this smooth sailing in my kitchen, though. I definitely had my fair share of meatball mishaps before perfecting this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe. One time, I forgot the breadcrumbs, and the meatballs were so dense they could have been used as bouncy balls! Another time, I went overboard with the ginger, and it was… well, let’s just say it was an experience. But, through those trials and errors, I discovered what works best, and now this is my go-to easy meatball recipe for busy weeknights.

As a mom running a blog and trying to juggle everything, easy meals are a lifesaver. I love that I can prep everything in advance and then just throw it on a sheet pan for a quick and healthy dinner. This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze is always a winner. I actually adapted this from a sweet and sour chicken meatball recipe. It’s all about making small tweaks to make it our own, right?

My cooking philosophy is simple: good food doesn’t have to be complicated. I believe in using fresh, wholesome ingredients to create meals that are both delicious and nourishing. And if I can do it with minimal effort, even better!

So, let’s get started! I promise this recipe is easier than it sounds, and the result is well worth it. Let’s make some delicious Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze together! You’re going to love it.

What You’ll Need for This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze:

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb Ground Chicken: I always use organic, but any ground chicken will work. The leaner, the better, in my opinion!
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatballs and keep them nice and tender.
• 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions: Adds a lovely fresh flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated: This is where that amazing ginger flavor comes in.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness.
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: For a touch of umami.
• 1 Egg: Helps to bind the meatballs.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Sesame Ginger Glaze:

• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium.
• 2 tbsp Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze stick.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: For a touch of tang.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil: More nutty goodness!
• 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated: Enhances the ginger flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlicky goodness.

For the Sweet Chili Glaze:

• 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce: I usually grab this from the Asian section of my grocery store. Feel free to use your favorite brand!

For the Veggies (Optional):

• 1 Bell Pepper, chopped: Adds color and sweetness.
• 1 Onion, chopped: Adds savory depth.
• 1 cup Broccoli florets: A healthy addition.

I always use fresh ginger for my Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze because the flavor is so much more vibrant. When making Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze, you can find great sweet chili sauce at most Asian grocery stores, sometimes even for a better price.

Here’s a Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze trick I learned: if you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic paste in a pinch. It’s a great time-saver! I also find that buying pre-minced garlic can save a lot of prep time when making this easy meatball recipe, especially during busy weekdays.

To save money, I like to buy ground chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in smaller portions. As for storing the leftover ingredients for this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze, the ginger can be stored in the freezer, grated, so you always have some on hand!

Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! And if you’re looking for another easy sheet pan dinner recipe, be sure to check out my Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. It’s another family favorite!

Let’s Make This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze Together

Okay, friend, let’s get down to business! I’m going to walk you through each step, so you can make these Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze like a pro.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix!
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. I find that using a small cookie scoop helps to keep them uniform in size. This also ensures even cooking.
4. If using, toss the chopped bell pepper, onion, and broccoli florets with a little sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the prepared sheet pan alongside the meatballs.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. This is our delicious sesame ginger glaze!
6. Brush the meatballs and veggies (if using) with the sesame ginger glaze. Make sure everything is nicely coated. I learned the hard way with Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze that using too much glaze can make the meatballs soggy, so use a light touch!
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the veggies are tender. In my kitchen, Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze usually takes about 22 minutes to reach perfection. I always check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to make sure they’re safe to eat.
8. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the meatballs and veggies with the sweet chili sauce. Don’t worry if your Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze aren’t perfectly round. The most important thing is that they taste good!
9. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the sweet chili glaze is slightly sticky.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. And voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious and easy Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze dinner.

While the Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze is cooking, I usually use that time to steam some rice or prepare a quick salad. Your Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze should smell like a blend of ginger, garlic, and sweet chili heaven!

If you’re looking for other chicken meatball recipe ideas, check out this Asian Inspired Chicken Meatballs recipe. It’s a great source of inspiration!

A family-tested tip for this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze: my kids love dipping the meatballs in extra sweet chili sauce, so I always have a small bowl of it on the table. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame ginger glaze for an extra kick!

How I Love to Serve This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze

Now that we’ve got our delicious Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze ready to go, let’s talk about serving! My family loves this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze when I serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all of that amazing sesame ginger and sweet chili sauce, and it’s just pure comfort food.

My go-to side dishes that pair with Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are steamed broccoli and a simple cucumber salad. The broccoli adds a nice crunch and some healthy greens, while the cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs.

This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze is perfect for busy weeknights when I don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s also great for meal prepping because the meatballs keep well in the fridge for a few days. I’ve even made a big batch for potlucks, and they’re always a hit!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. It adds a pop of color and makes the dish look even more appetizing. If you have extra Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze, they’re fantastic in lunchboxes or as a topping for salads.

For a seasonal Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze variation, try adding some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the sheet pan in the fall. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs and the sweet chili glaze.

Friends always ask for this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to love, no matter their age or taste preferences. And if you are looking for another recipe to wow your friends with check out Crispy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle!

Your Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too lean, or the meatballs might be a little dry.

Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

A: You can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch, but panko breadcrumbs will give the meatballs a lighter, crispier texture. I’ve even used crushed crackers before, and they worked just fine!

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. You know what I do when my Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze needs to be prepped ahead? I roll the meat balls, put them on the sheet pan, cover, and pop them in the fridge. It really helps!

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?

A: Definitely! Cooked or uncooked meatballs can be frozen. If freezing uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. If freezing cooked meatballs, let them cool completely before freezing.

Q: What if I don’t like sweet chili sauce?

A: You can use another sauce, such as teriyaki sauce or even a homemade sweet and sour sauce. Or, if you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame ginger glaze.

Q: My meatballs are dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in dry meatballs. Also, using too lean of a ground meat can also contribute to dryness. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently until just combined, and don’t overbake them.

Q: Can I add other veggies to the sheet pan?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as carrots, zucchini, or snap peas. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. I learned this from a Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe post on a Facebook group!

My Final Thoughts on This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze

This Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my entire family loves. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies!

My Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze Pro Tips:

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing will result in tough, dry meatballs.
• Use a light touch with the glaze: Too much glaze can make the meatballs soggy.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies: The possibilities are endless!

Here are some Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze variations I’ve tried with my family:

1. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sesame ginger glaze for an extra kick.
2. Honey Garlic Version: Replace the sweet chili sauce with a honey garlic sauce for a sweeter, less spicy flavor.
3. Teriyaki Version: Use teriyaki sauce instead of the sesame ginger glaze for a classic Asian flavor.

My husband loves the spicy version, while my kids prefer the honey garlic version. As for me, I love them all!

I hope you try this Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite veggies, experiment with different sauces, and adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Cooking is all about having fun and creating something that you and your family will love.

So go ahead, grab your apron, and get cooking! I have no doubt that you’ll create a delicious and memorable meal. I hope your Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. Happy cooking, friends!