If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or health, these Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are your answer.
Juicy ground chicken gets infused with bold Asian flavors — fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil — then baked on a sheet pan until perfectly golden. The finishing touch? A glossy, sweet, and tangy chili glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it coats each meatball.
This dish is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and absolutely addicting when served over jasmine rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love These Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Healthier than takeout – Baked, not fried.
- Packed with flavor – Garlic, ginger, and sesame oil shine.
- Perfect meal prep recipe – Great for lunch bowls or rice dishes.
- Crowd-pleasing – Kids and adults both love the sticky glaze!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These meatballs bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table without the fuss. The mix of sesame oil, fresh ginger, and soy sauce gives deep, savory umami, while the sweet chili glaze delivers a perfect sticky-sweet finish.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything bakes on one sheet pan — no frying, no splattering, no mess. It’s a simple, healthy recipe that feels indulgent thanks to its rich, glossy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overmix or the meatballs will be dense.
Step 3: Shape and arrange
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Step 5: Make the glaze
While the meatballs bake, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Glaze and broil
Brush the baked meatballs with the glaze and return to the oven. Broil for 1–2 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables
Tips for the Best Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs
- Use fresh ginger – It makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t overmix – Gently combine ingredients for tender meatballs.
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps browning.
- Check doneness – Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Adjust glaze sweetness – Add more honey for a richer, stickier coating.
- Double the batch – These freeze perfectly for easy future meals.
- Add chili flakes – For extra heat if you love spice.
- Mix meats – Use half ground turkey or pork for a flavor variation.
- Broil briefly – That final caramelization makes all the difference.
- Pair with freshness – Cucumber salad or steamed broccoli balances the rich glaze.
Variations & Substitutions
- Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Version: Add sriracha or chili paste to the glaze.
- Vegetable Mix-In: Add grated carrots or chopped water chestnuts to the meatballs.
- Lemongrass Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon minced lemongrass for a Thai-inspired twist.
- Low-Carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead.
- Vegan Option: Substitute ground chicken with plant-based mince.
- Peanut Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter to the glaze for richness.
- Extra Sweet: Mix a spoonful of apricot jam into the glaze.
- Asian BBQ Fusion: Swap sweet chili for teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
What to Serve With Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs
- Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
- Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, peppers, carrots)
- Asian cucumber salad
- Garlic noodles or ramen
- Spring rolls or edamame
- Fresh lime wedges – for a tangy finish
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze cooked meatballs (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and glaze before serving.
To Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave gently until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs, bake them, and store in the fridge. Glaze just before serving.
Can I use ground turkey?
Definitely — it works just as well as chicken.
Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
Yes, just cook in a skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning often.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — perfect for meal prep or large dinners.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Absolutely — sweet chili sauce from the store works great.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
Can I serve them as appetizers?
Of course — place on skewers or toothpicks and drizzle with glaze.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use other proteins?
You can use turkey, pork, or even beef for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Sheet Pan Sesame Ginger Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are everything you want in a weeknight dinner — simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Each bite is tender and juicy, with the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding the family, or hosting a dinner party, these Asian-inspired meatballs never fail to impress. Quick to make, easy to clean up, and impossible to stop eating — it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!