Orange Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations & Tips
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a lower-carb version.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of honey to suit your taste preference.
- Add Spice: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha for extra heat.
- Quick Version: Use store-bought chicken meatballs and simply prepare the sauce for a faster meal.
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, delivering a balance of savory and sweet flavors with a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!