Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe

These Orange Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and gluten-free appetizer or main dish made with ground chicken, fresh ingredients, and a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Perfect for meal prepping or serving at parties, these flavorful meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional orange chicken. Coated in a rich, savory sauce made with orange marmalade, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce, they are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family. These meatballs are easy to make, gluten-free, and perfect for those looking for a healthy twist on classic comfort food. Enjoy them with rice, or as an appetizer with skewers for your next gathering or dinner!

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken (Springer Mountain Farms recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking tray)
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch
  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • ⅛ teaspoon dry ginger
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
• For the Sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
  • ½ orange, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce
  • ⅛ teaspoon dry ginger
  • 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• For the Cornstarch Slurry
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray and Meatball Mixture

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly coat a baking tray with olive oil using a pastry brush.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with arrowroot starch, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. To prevent the meatballs from sticking to your hands, consider coating your hands with olive oil or use gloves.
5. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking tray. Leave about ½ inch of space between each meatball.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake the meatballs for 8-9 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a small saucepan or wok, combine the sesame oil, orange juice, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ginger, orange marmalade, hoisin sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Stir well to combine.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
3. Once the sauce begins to lightly boil, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat each meatball evenly.
3. Serve the meatballs with appetizer picks, or place them over rice for a full meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: Sweet, savory, and tangy, these orange chicken meatballs are packed with delicious flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples to create a tasty and satisfying dish without any complicated ingredients.
• Versatile: These meatballs work as a delicious appetizer or as a main course when served over rice.

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Tips

• Baking the Meatballs: If you want extra crispy meatballs, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
• Test the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Forming Meatballs: If you find the mixture sticky, wet your hands lightly to make rolling the meatballs easier.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Soy Sauce Substitution: If you’re avoiding soy, you can substitute gluten-free soy sauce with coconut aminos for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Meat Options: This recipe works well with other ground meats such as turkey or lean pork, if preferred.
• Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some chili powder into the meatball mixture.

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FAQs

Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. Just freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How Can I Make These Meatballs Vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the ground chicken with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg.

Can I Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?

Yes! After baking the meatballs, you can place them in a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 1-2 hours for a tender, flavorful meal.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an Appetizer: Serve these flavorful meatballs with appetizer picks at your next party or gathering.
• Serve Over Rice: For a complete meal, serve the meatballs over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
• Pair with Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meatballs and sauce.

Enjoy these Orange Chicken Meatballs as a tasty, gluten-free appetizer or a delicious main dish the whole family will love!