Orange Chicken Meatballs combine the sweet and tangy flavors of orange sauce with savory chicken meatballs, making them a delicious and versatile dish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Orange Chicken Meatballs, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 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
For the Orange Sauce:
- 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
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange Sauce
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the orange sauce mixture over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add Meatballs to Sauce:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Orange Chicken Meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Ground Chicken: If ground chicken is not available, you can use ground turkey or a mix of ground chicken and ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a crunchier texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Orange Chicken Meatballs:
- Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Orange Chicken Meatball Stir-Fry:
- Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots to the skillet along with the meatballs and sauce for a complete meal.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Bake them and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the sauce.
4. What can I serve with Orange Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. They also make a great appetizer served with toothpicks.
5. Can I use store-bought orange sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought orange sauce if you prefer. Just heat the sauce in a skillet and add the baked meatballs to coat them.
Orange Chicken Meatballs are a sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful orange sauce and tender chicken meatballs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or meal prep, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Orange Chicken Meatballs a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful meal. Happy cooking!
