Orange Chicken Meatballs







Orange Chicken Meatballs

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly golden.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!


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