Asian Chicken Meatballs

These sticky Asian chicken meatballs are sesame-glazed, moist, and super flavorful. The perfect easy and healthy under-30-minute weeknight dinner with the option to air fry or oven-bake!

Sticky sesame Asian chicken meatballs

This is my new favorite dinner recipe! I am a huge fan of Asian-inspired meals, like these healthy teriyaki turkey meatballs and this air fryer orange chicken, but these chicken meatballs are my go-to when I am in the mood for a chicken dish.

You are going to LOVE this recipe! These Asian chicken meatballs are super juicy, flavorful, and coated in a homemade sticky sesame glaze. My favorite part about this recipe is that it is impossible to tell they are healthy; they are that mouth-watering!

This recipe is so easy to make too. The ingredient list is simple. Plus, you will be in and out of the kitchen in under 30 minutes, and you can bake or air fryer these Asian chicken meatballs.

Asian chicken meatballs are great for meal prepping too. I love making a batch on a Sunday and enjoying them all week long for lunch or dinner. The best juicy and healthy sticky sesame chicken meatballs – kids love them too!

Why you’ll love this healthy recipe

• These Asian-inspired chicken meatballs are coated in a homemade sticky sesame glaze.
• Easy to make in 25 minutes.
• They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and healthy.
• The meatballs are very juicy and moist.
• You can air fry or oven-bake the meatballs.
• The sticky sesame glaze is flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet.
• Try these delicious teriyaki turkey meatballs next!

Ingredients needed

Here’s an overview of all the ingredients you’ll need to make these sticky Asian chicken meatballs. Scroll to the bottom of this blog post for the exact measurements and directions.

Asian Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: I like using 93% lean ground chicken for the juiciest meatballs. Also, chicken is a great source of protein!
• Egg: This helps bind the meatballs together and also but also adds moisture to make the meatballs extra moist.
• Breadcrumbs: You can use gluten-free, whole wheat, or regular. Breadcrumbs help bind these baked Asian chicken meatballs together.
• Green Onions: Use both the white and light green parts for the most flavor.
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly grated is best and gives these meatballs so much flavor.

Sticky Sesame Glaze:

• Soy Sauce: The base of our homemade sticky sesame glazed. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce; if you are gluten-free, you can use tamari.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor to this sesame glaze.
• Garlic & Ginger: For flavor and that authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Honey: You only need 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to naturally sweeten this sticky sesame glaze. I love that this recipe is 100% refined-sugar-free.
• Sesame Oil: Trust me, this is the most important ingredient. You only need 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, which adds so much flavor to the glaze.
• Arrowroot Starch: This makes our glaze sticky! You can use tapioca flour or cornstarch too.

Kitchen tools required

These healthy Asian chicken meatballs are easy to make. Here is a list of all the kitchen tools you need for this recipe:

• Rimmed Baking Tray
• Parchment Paper
• Sauce Pan
• Tongs & Whisk
• Cutting Board & Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/4 cup, and 1/3 cup.

How to make Asian chicken meatballs

These sticky Asian chicken meatballs take 25 minutes to make. They are the perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe. Here are step-by-step directions and pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Then, add all the meatball ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Gently mix with your hands to fully combine, and use a scooper or your hands to form 18 – 22 meatballs and evenly space them across the lined baking sheet.

Step 3:

Now, bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the meatballs are slightly browned on the outside and cooked through. Chicken meatballs are done once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4:

Meanwhile, while the meatballs are baking, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat and add sesame glaze sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to whisk until the sauce has thickened continually.

Step 5:

Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the pot with the sticky sesame glaze and gently mix to coat all meatballs. Depending on the size of your saucepan, you can also do this in a mixing bowl.

Step 6:

Finally, plate them! I like to serve my sticky Asian chicken meatballs on a brown or jasmine rice bed with your favorite roasted vegetable or edamame. Feel free to garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion. Enjoy!

How to air fry Asian chicken meatballs

You can quickly air fryer these Asian chicken meatballs too. Here are instrucitons:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper.
2. Once the air fryer is heated, evenly space the meatballs in the basket. Make sure they are spaced out and NOT overlapping. If your air fryer basket is too small, do this in two batches.
3. Air fry for 8 – 10 minutes or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
4. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the pot with the sticky sesame glaze and gently mix to coat all meatballs. Depending on the size of your saucepan, you can also do this in a mixing bowl.

Taste & texture

These sesame Asain-inspired chicken meatballs are very flavorful with a hint of sweetness. The primary flavors come from soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. The taste is very similar to a teriyaki sauce.

These meatballs are extra juicy and moist! The sesame glaze is sticky and makes these meatballs extra delicious.

Expert tips & tricks

Whisk all your sticky sesame glaze ingredients together before heating. This is my #1 tip for this Asian chicken meatball recipe! This ensures that the sesame glaze is smooth and sticky. The heat will cause the arrowroot powder to clump up if you don’t do this.

Don’t overwork the meatball mixture. If you overwork and mix your chicken meatball mixture, the meatballs will be tough and dry.

Easily make them gluten-free. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.

Don’t overbake your chicken meatballs. Overbaked chicken meatballs are tough and dry. They take about 15 minutes to bake and are done once the internal temperature is 165°F.

Make it ahead of time. I love this recipe for meal prep! You can make these Asian chicken meatballs ahead of time and portion them out into airtight Tupperware with rice and veggies for a quick lunch or meal-prepped dinner.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy these sticky Asian chicken meatballs. Here are a few ideas:

• On a bed of rice (brown, white, jasmine, basmati, or sushi rice)
• On a bed of quinoa
• On a bed of cauliflower rice (a great low-carb way to enjoy these meatballs)
• Crispy roasted vegetables (I love broccoli & cauliflower)
• Edamame or crispy green beans
• Steamed vegetables (you can use a stir-fry mix or pick your favorite!)
• Tender & crispy sweet potato cubes (instead of rice)

Ingredient substitution suggestions

I only recommend substituting 1 or 2 ingredients since the original recipe is so delicious! Here are my recommendations:

• Ground Chicken: You can also use ground turkey. I love 93% lean, but 99% lean works too.
• Honey: Substitute honey for maple syrup, coconut sugar, or light brown sugar.
• Soy Sauce: Swap the soy sauce out for tamari which is gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos for a paleo option.
• Arrowroot Starch: You can also use tapioca flour or cornstarch.
• Fresh Ginger: Flavor-wise, freshly grated ginger is the best option. However, you can try using 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Rice Vinegar: Substitute rice vinegar one-for-one with white wine vinegar.
• Green Onion: You can use yellow onion too, but to make thee Asian-inspired, I recommend green onion.
• Sesame Oil: You can use toasted sesame oil.
• Fresh Garlic: I love freshly minced garlic, but you can also use garlic powder. For the meatballs and sauce, add at least 1 teaspoon to each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey?

If you don’t have ground chicken, you can certainly use ground turkey instead. Use 93% lean ground turkey for the juiciest meatballs, but 99% lean works too.

Can I substitute anything for the arrowroot powder?

Yes! You can use tapioca flour or cornstarch.

Are they gluten-free?

These Asian chicken meatballs are 100% gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread crumbs and Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Do I need to add the breadcrumbs?

Yes, the breadcrumbs bind the meatballs together and make them extra juicy and moist. If you want a recipe without breadcrumbs, try these keto turkey meatballs.

Can I air fry the meatballs?

Yes; you can also air fryer these chicken meatballs instead of baking them. I left instructions in the recipe card notes at the bottom of this post.

Can I pan-fry the meatballs?

Yes, you can also cook these Asian chicken meatballs in a pan on the stove. Simply heat 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium. When heated, add your chicken meatballs and let them sear on one side for 2 – 3 minutes. Flip them over, sear for another 2 – 3 minutes, then cover the pan with a lid and let cook for a final 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How long do meatballs last in the fridge?

Meatballs will last between 4 – 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, these Asian chicken meatballs are healthy! Here’s why: (1) they are made with good-for-you ingredients, (2) they are high in protein, (3) there is NO ADDED SUGAR, (4) they are refined-sugar-free, and (5) they make for a balanced and filling meal with carbs, protein, and vegetables.

How to freeze, store, and reheat leftovers:

Freezing: For best results, let your Asian chicken meatballs cool to room temperature, then add them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Read below to learn how to reheat them.

Storing: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 – 5 days.

Reheating: If reheating from frozen, thaw and warm them in a sauce pot on the stove over low heat. If reheating from the fridge, use the microwave or sauce pot method.

If you loved this recipe, try these next!

• Healthy Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
• Shrimp Poke Bowl
• Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
• Spicy Chicken Bulgogi
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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