Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something that’s become a serious weeknight superstar in my kitchen: **Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe**. If you’re a fan of classic takeout orange chicken but want a quicker, healthier (ish!) version that’s just as satisfying, you’ve GOT to try this. Seriously, it’s like orange chicken’s cooler, more laid-back cousin. And let me tell you, my kids devour these things faster than I can say “dinner’s ready!” It’s so much fun to make and even more fun to eat, and I’m convinced it’s going to be your new go-to meal when you need something quick, easy, and totally delicious. I have been working on this recipe for some time and everyone loves the delicious taste. It reminds them of childhood in a way. Plus, leftovers (if you have any!) are amazing the next day for lunch.
What are some easy orange chicken meatball recipes?
What exactly are meatballs? Think of it as your favorite orange chicken, but instead of bite-sized pieces of chicken we’re using whole chicken. using juicy, flavorful meatballs. What’s a clever way to get that sweet and tangy orange sauce goodness with your favorite sauce? What is the difference between a similar texture and less fuss? The meatballs are baked to golden perfection and then smothered in a homemade orange sauce. How easy is it to whip up a recipe? What’s a family-friendly dish that’ll be perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks or even as an appetizer? Is it more exciting than just meatballs?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons why I’m head-over-heels for this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible! You get that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that just dances on your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth! Secondly, it’s unbelievably easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and simple steps that even the most novice cook can nail. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! What I love most about this **Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe** is its versatility. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it as a standalone appetizer. And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! It’s a budget-friendly meal that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love, this is it. It’s even better than my sweet and sour meatball recipe because of the orange flavor!
How do I make easy orange chicken meatballs?
Quick Overview
How do I make easy orange chicken meatballs? We start by mixing together all the ingredients for meatballs, then baking them until they’re golden brown. Is it cooked through and slightly browned? While the meatballs are baking, you’ll whip up the orange sauce on the stove. Once the meatballs are done, just toss them in the sauce and voila! Dinner is served! What is the beauty of this recipe? I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious and satisfying meal. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it ideal for those crazy weeknights when you have to work late at night. You need something on the table fast!
Ingredients Notes:
For the Meatballs: What
Ground chicken: What is I prefer ground chicken because it’s leaner, but you can also use ground turkey or even ground beef. If you use ground beef, just be sure to drain off any excess fat after baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a nice, light texture. Can you substitute breadcrumbs for bread? How do breadcrumbs make a difference?
Egg: Helps to bind meatballs together.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
Garlic Powder & Ginger Powder: Essential for that classic Asian-inspired flavor.
Green Onions: Adds a little bit of freshness. Can you use finely chopped onion if you prefer?
Sesame Oil: A touch of sesama oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
For the Sauce:
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works too. Is 100% orange juice good for you?
Soy Sauce: Again, use low-sodium!
What are the benefits of rice vinegar?
Brown Sugar: For that signature sweet flavor.
How do you thicken a sauce?
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent kick.
How do I get fresh ginger?
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking. I always add a pinch more because my family likes it spicy!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. What are some tips for cleaning meatballs? I hate scrubbing baking sheets!
Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Set aside. What are the ingredients for ginger powder, green onions, and sesame oil? Gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough. I usually use my hands for this step – it’s just easier to get everything evenly distributed.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
How do you form meatballs? Place meatballs on a baking sheet, leaving space between each. I like to wet my hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to them.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). While the meatballs are baking, you can start making the orange sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes? Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. How long should you cook the sauce for? Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the sweetness or spiciness as needed.
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat meatballs evenly with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some easy orange chicken meatball recipes? What are some good ways to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions?
What is the best way to serve it?
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing orange chicken meatballs… now what? What are some of my favorite ways to serve them?
Over Rice:What is the best option for brown rice and white rice? I sometimes like to mix a little bit of sesame oil and soy sauce into the rice for extra flavor.
With Noodles:What are some good choices for noodles? Lo mein, chow mein or spaghetti. Just toss the noodles with a little bit of soy sauce before adding the meatballs.
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As an Appetizer:Serve meatballs on their own with toothpicks for a fun and easy appetizer. What are some of the best party favors?
With Veggies:Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or snow peas for a healthy meal. I like to toss veggies with a little bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. I usually just mix it up. My family loves having a simple side salad with this dish. It adds a nice bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
What are some of the best ways to make an Orange Chicken Meatball recipe?
What is your favorite easy orange chicken meatball recipe? What are some of my top tips?
Don’t overmix meatball mixture: Don’t get Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs: This will ensure that all of your meatballs are the same size, which will help them cook evenly.
Bake on Parchment Paper: This prevents the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add a little more red pepper flakes.
Freshly Grated Ginger is Key: Trust me on this one! Freshly grated ginger adds so much more flavor than ginger powder.
Simmer the Sauce Until Thickened: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the meatballs. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
I’ve also found that letting the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to really meld together. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes! Sesame seeds, green onions, and even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add a nice finishing touch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These **Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe** are great for meal prepping because they store and reheat beautifully! Here’s how I recommend storing them:
In the Refrigerator: Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out.
If you’re planning on freezing the meatballs, I recommend waiting to add the sauce until you’re ready to reheat them. This will prevent the sauce from getting too watery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My **Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe** is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor that the whole family will love. I truly believe that this will become a staple in your recipe collection. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the orange sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my sweet and sour meatballs or my baked honey garlic chicken. And now, I want to hear from you! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, and share your own variations. Happy cooking!
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Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 0.25 cup green onions chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Toss cooked meatballs with the sauce and serve garnished with additional green onions, if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
