Sweet spicy sesame chicken has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I can’t wait to share this amazing sweet and spicy sesame chicken recipe with you! I remember the first time I tried making it from scratch – the aroma of ginger and garlic filling my kitchen, followed by the tantalizing sweet and savory glaze coating tender chicken meatballs. It was pure magic! This dish delivers that perfect balance of heat and sweetness, reminiscent of your favorite takeout but so much better because it’s homemade. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
This sweet spicy sesame chicken recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love:
- Incredible Taste: It hits that perfect sweet and spicy note, making every bite delicious.
- Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you can have this on the table in under an hour.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour these saucy meatballs.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, it won’t break the bank.
- Healthy-ish Option: Ground chicken and a balanced sauce make it a lighter choice than some versions.
- Spicy Sesame Chicken with Honey: The honey in the sauce adds a wonderful depth and sweetness that perfectly complements the heat.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Spicy Sesame Chicken with Honey Appeal: That touch of honey makes this dish truly special, offering a delightful richness.
Ingredients for Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious sweet spicy sesame chicken dish. These components work together to create that irresistible sweet and hot flavor profile.
- 1 lb ground chicken – I like to use a leaner blend for these meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- 1 large egg – Essential for holding the meatballs together.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger – Fresh ginger is key for that zingy, aromatic kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because what savory dish doesn’t need garlic?
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – For that umami depth in the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of warmth.
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey – This is where the sweetness really shines, making it a lovely sesame chicken sweet and hot sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Balances the sweetness and adds saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – For a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste) – This brings the heat, so adjust it to your preference!
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – For garnish and a lovely crunchy texture.
- For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice – The perfect fluffy base for our meatballs.
- Sliced cucumbers (optional) – For a refreshing crunch.
- Extra green onions for garnish – A pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
Making this sweet spicy sesame chicken is surprisingly simple, and the results are incredibly rewarding. You’ll have a delicious, takeout-style meal right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for getting those meatballs
nicely browned. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup – trust me, it makes a world of difference! - Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix, or your meatballs might become tough.
- Step 3: Form the chicken mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to be cooked through and have a nice, lightly browned exterior.
- Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, prepare that irresistible sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Sriracha. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Once the sauce starts bubbling, stir in 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Let it continue to simmer for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening slightly, creating that perfect glossy coating. The aroma is amazing!
- Step 7: Remove the meatballs from the oven. Carefully toss them directly into the saucepan with the warm sesame sauce. Gently coat each meatball until they are beautifully glazed. This is how to make sweet spicy sesame chicken truly shine.
- Step 8: Serve your delicious sweet spicy sesame chicken meatballs immediately. Spoon 2 cups cooked rice into bowls, top generously with the glazed meatballs, and garnish with sliced cucumbers and extra green onions if you like. Enjoy this fantastic homemade meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
Want to elevate your sweet spicy sesame chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a big difference. Follow these tips for consistently amazing results:
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: Bottled versions just don’t pack the same punch as fresh aromatics for that authentic flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Whether baking meatballs or stir-frying, give them space to brown properly. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not searing.
- Taste and adjust the sauce: Every batch of Sriracha or honey can vary. Always taste your sauce before tossing the meatballs and adjust the sweetness or spice as needed.
- Let the meatballs rest briefly: After baking, letting them sit for a minute before tossing in the sauce helps them hold their shape better.
What’s the secret to perfect sweet spicy sesame chicken?
The real secret lies in balancing the sweet and spicy elements in the sauce. Achieving the best sweet sesame chicken sauce means getting the honey-to-Sriracha ratio just right, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats everything beautifully. For more insights on flavor balancing, check out this guide on flavor balancing.
Can I make sweet spicy sesame chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the meatballs and store them raw in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, bake them ahead and store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently before tossing with the sauce for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with sweet spicy sesame chicken?
A common pitfall is overmixing the meatball mixture, which can make them tough. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature for proper cooking. Finally, don’t rush the sauce simmering; let it thicken slightly for that perfect sticky coating. For more cooking tips, you might find this article on cooking tips helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
This sweet spicy sesame chicken is so versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion. My favorite way to enjoy it is over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up that amazing sweet and spicy glaze like a dream. For an even more complete meal, I love pairing it with some quick-steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas. If you’re looking for an easy sweet sesame chicken option that feels restaurant-quality, try serving it alongside some simple stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Nutrition Facts for Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of our delightful sweet spicy sesame chicken. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those sweet and spicy flavors.
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially for items like sugar and sodium which can differ based on brand choices.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
Even though this homemade sweet and spicy sesame chicken is best enjoyed fresh, I’ve found it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the meatballs have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend a gentle approach. For the fridge-stored meatballs, a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium-low heat works wonders to bring back that saucy goodness. For frozen meatballs, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the skillet or a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken
What is the best type of chicken to use for sweet spicy sesame chicken?
I find that ground chicken works wonderfully for meatballs, offering a tender texture that really soaks up the sauce. If you prefer to use chicken pieces, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces are excellent choices for a stir-fry version. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before coating them in that delicious glaze.
Can I make the sweet spicy sesame chicken sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce is quite forgiving and can be made a day or two in advance. I often whip up a batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes assembling the sweet spicy sesame chicken even quicker on busy weeknights. If you’re using a sesame chicken sweet chili sauce base, you can also prepare that ahead and add your Sriracha and other flavorings just before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level of my sweet spicy sesame chicken?
That’s the beauty of making it at home! The easiest way to control the heat is by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in the sauce. For a milder dish, start with just a teaspoon. If you like it fiery, feel free to add more, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of chili sauce to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy. For more on chili peppers, you can explore different chili pepper types.
What are good side dishes to pair with sweet spicy sesame chicken?
For a complete meal, I love serving this sweet spicy sesame chicken with fluffy white rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that amazing sauce. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried snap peas, or a simple Asian-inspired slaw also make fantastic accompaniments. A refreshing cucumber salad can also offer a nice cooling contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors. You might also enjoy our vegetable zucchini fritters as a side.
Variations of Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken You Can Try
This sweet spicy sesame chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but I love getting creative in the kitchen! Here are a few ways to switch things up and explore different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers: Instead of meatballs, thread chicken pieces onto skewers and grill or bake them. This makes for a fun, handheld appetizer or a great addition to a summer barbecue. The grill marks add a lovely smoky char.
- Sweet Sesame Chicken Spicy Glaze with Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the chicken for firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu well to remove excess water, cube it, and then bake or pan-fry until golden before tossing in the glaze. It’s a delicious plant-based twist!
- Sesame Chicken Sweet Chili Sauce Stir-fry: Use chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces instead of meatballs. Stir-fry the chicken with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and onions. Toss everything in the sauce at the end for a quick and vibrant stir-fry.
- Sesame Chicken Sweet and Fiery Noodles: Serve the meatballs over your favorite noodles instead of rice. A ramen or udon noodle works particularly well, providing a satisfying chew that complements the tender meatballs and sticky glaze.
Sweet Spicy Sesame Chicken: 8 Amazing Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Meatballs with Rice Bowls offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Juicy chicken meatballs are coated in a sweet and spicy sesame glaze, served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy-to-prepare dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Sliced cucumbers (optional)
- Extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Once the sauce begins to bubble, stir in sesame seeds and let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the sesame sauce until evenly coated.
- In serving bowls, place a scoop of cooked rice. Top with the glazed meatballs and garnish with sliced cucumbers and extra green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Adjust Sriracha to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture.
- This dish can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: Not specified