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Orange Chicken Meatballs
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4.85 from 13 votes

Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe

You're going to love these tender and flavorful orange chicken meatballs! They're everything you love about orange chicken but quicker, easier and a whole lot healthier!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Dishes
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Servings: 4 -6
Calories: 449kcal
Author: Andrea

Ingredients

meatballs

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 lb ground chicken
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp green onion minced
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

sauce

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 Tbsp orange zest freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey
  • 1/3 cup white or rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 Tbsp cold water
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a standard size baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat, set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and panko breadcrumbs. Allow to soak for 5 minutes. Add the chicken, egg, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix together just until combined (overworking it will cause the meatballs to be dense).
  • Shape into meatballs and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked throughout (internal temperature of 165).
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, orange zest, sugar or honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. In a small bowl whisk together the cold water and cornstarch, add to the saucepan. Whisk until combined, continue cooking for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens (I usually let mine go for about 8 minutes).
  • Place the meatballs in a large bowl and cover with sauce. Toss to coat, serve hot.

Video

Notes

-You can also use ground pork for these too!

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 1142mg | Potassium: 1115mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg