Orange Chicken Meatballs

Orange Chicken Meatballs are a healthy version of a classic Chinese-American takeout dish. Tender chicken meatballs (with a hint of garlic and ginger) are tossed in a rich soy glaze with bright citrus flavors.

Serve over rice with a side of broccoli, for a simple, healthy meal that everyone will love.

this recipe

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• There is no heavy dredge or mess from frying. This orange chicken recipe is a lightened up version, all the while keeping the classic flavors.
• I love that this recipe can be made for an easy weeknight dinner or be served as an appetizer.
• The flavorful sauce! This recipe has the perfect mix of sweet and sour with a hint of spicy from the red pepper flakes.
• I love meatballs! Ground chicken makes recipes like my Italian Meatballs and Southwest Meatballs tender, delicious and healthy!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH ORANGE CHICKEN MEATBALLS

• Traditionally this recipe is served with jasmine rice.
• Brown rice has a small edge on white rice regarding nutrient content.
• Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to rice to keep the dish low-carb.
• Egg Rolls and Crab Rangoon are a fun addition to a Chinese take-out night at home!
• There are many great options of vegetables to serve with these meatballs. Consider green beans, broccoli, zucchini, snow peas, and mushrooms.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Meatballs

• Ground Chicken - Ground turkey can easily be substituted.
• Egg
• Panko Bread Crumbs
• Onion Minced
• Ginger Paste
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• Sesame Oil
• Red Bell Pepper Sliced
• Rice Wine Vinegar
• Orange Zest
• Orange Juice - Fresh orange juice is best. One large orange should have enough juice for the recipe.
• Soy Sauce - Coconut aminos is a good substitute for soy sauce.
• Brown Sugar
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Green Onion Garnish
• Sesame Seeds Garnish

STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Meatballs

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray or use parchment paper to keep the meatballs from sticking.

STEP 2: In a large bowl combine, 1 lb ground chicken, 1 egg, ¾ cup panko bread crumbs, 3 Tbsp minced onion, 1 tsp ginger paste, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix ingredients until well combined.

STEP 3: Roll the meatball mixture into 16 small meatballs and place on a sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Prepare the orange chicken sauce

STEP 4: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tsp sesame oil. Add ½ cup sliced red bell pepper and cook until the peppers begin to soften. Careful not to over cook the bell pepper. They are best with a crisp bite.

STEP 5: Add 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, ⅓ cup orange juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoon Sweet Chili Sauce, and ⅛ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes. Try using fresh squeezed orange juice, you'll need one large orange.

STEP 6: Over medium-high heat bring the sauce to a low simmer sauce for 5 minutes.

STEP 7: Now it's time to thicken the sauce. Mix 2 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoon water in a small cup and add the mixture to the sauce. Continue to cook until sauce begins to thicken, then remove the sauce from the heat.

STEP 8: Coat each meatball in the sauce and serve over rice or with your vegetable of choice. Garnish with green onion and toasted sesame seeds.

RECIPE TIPS FOR MAKING CLASSIC ORANGE CHICKEN

1. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.  This will bring out their nutty flavor.
2. Use fresh squeezed orange juice.  You’ll find it has much more flavor and less calories and sugar.
3. These meatballs make a wonderful appetizer.  Serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping.
4. Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to four days. 
5. Keep this recipe low carb by serving with a helping of vegetables instead of rice.  Steamed broccoli is my favorite.
6. Reserve any extra sauce in a small bowl.
7. If the sauce gets too thick add a little bit of water or chicken broth.

WANT TO STORE FOR LATER? HERE'S HOW...

Store leftovers properly: Store leftover orange meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Store leftovers in an airtight container after they have cooled entirely for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments until heated through.

Can orange meatballs be made in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in the air fryer. They will take between 9 - 14 minutes and should be flipped half way through the cooking process. The meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165.

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