If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts zesty, saucy, and incredibly comforting, let me introduce you to these Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs. Think of all your favorite sweet-and-savory takeout vibes, bundled up in juicy, oven-baked chicken meatballs and tossed in a glossy, citrusy orange sauce. With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe transforms everyday staples into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re planning dinner for the family or appetizers for a lively get-together, Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs should absolutely be on your must-try list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs couldn’t be simpler. Each ingredient plays its own starring role, ensuring every bite is flavorful, tender, and beautifully vibrant. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:
- Ground chicken: Lean and tender, ground chicken makes for light yet juicy meatballs that soak up the tangy sauce.
- Egg: Binds the mixture together, giving you meatballs that are cohesive and moist, not crumbly.
- Breadcrumbs: Help lock in moisture and create a soft, perfect bite.
- Green onions: Lend a pop of color and a gentle oniony note that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Garlic: Provides a robust savory depth that amplifies every other flavor in the mix.
- Fresh ginger: Adds an aromatic zing and warmth, waking up the whole dish.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Gives a sharp, peppery finish to every bite.
- Orange marmalade: Creates the lush, sticky-sweet backbone of the unforgettable sauce.
- Soy sauce: Delivers that signature umami to ensure the sauce is deeply savory, not flat.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a necessary bright contrast, balancing the sweetness with tangy vibes.
- Sriracha or chili sauce (optional): Just a touch turns up the excitement for those who like things a bit spicy.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Magically thickens the sauce so it clings to every meatball.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent any sticking. This simple prep step ensures your Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs will bake up evenly and release from the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spoon and mix everything until just combined—the less you overwork it, the more tender the meatballs will turn out.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a small scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place each meatball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they bake up golden all the way around.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. They’ll smell absolutely irresistible and get just the right amount of caramelization on the bottom!
Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
While your meatballs are in the oven, start the luscious orange sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns thick, shiny, and ready to cling to your meatballs.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
Once your meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl or directly to the saucepan. Pour over the hot orange sauce and gently toss until every meatball is enrobed in that glossy, sticky coating. Serve the Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs piping hot, and prepare for applause!
How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds over your Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs. These simple garnishes add fresh flavor, a slight crunch, and major visual appeal, making every serving look as exciting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with the classics here: mound the meatballs over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or tender noodles to soak up any extra sauce. If you’re after something brighter, try a crisp Asian slaw or stir-fried veggies for a fresh, colorful contrast that balances the sweet and savory meatballs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs aren’t just for dinner! Stick them with toothpicks and serve as party bites, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option. You can even skewer them onto bamboo sticks with chunks of pineapple for a fun, tropical spin that’ll stand out at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, sauce-free meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. The sauce can be made ahead and frozen separately. When ready, thaw everything in the fridge and reheat with fresh sauce for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent them from drying out. They also reheat well in the microwave, just be sure to cover so the sauce stays glossy rather than splattered.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and creates equally tender, flavorful meatballs. Just be sure to use turkey with a bit of fat (like 93/7) for best results.
Is the sriracha necessary if I don’t like spicy food?
Not at all—the sriracha or chili sauce is completely optional. If you prefer your Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs to stay sweet and mild, simply leave it out, and you’ll still love the end result.
What type Main Course
Use your favorite store-bought orange marmalade, whether it’s classic or homemade. A variety with little bits of orange peel adds a subtle bitterness and more complex flavor to the sauce.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (like tamari), and you’re good to go with gluten-free Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?
There’s no need to brown them first—the oven does all the work here for a golden exterior. If you want extra color, you can broil the meatballs in the last minute or two of baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the sweet, savory brightness of Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs, and they truly come together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving them over rice for dinner or jazzing up your next party, these meatballs bring big flavor to the table every time. If you haven’t made them yet, give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite, too!
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Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Orange Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Tender chicken meatballs are baked to perfection and then coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the orange sauce:
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the orange sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the orange sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- These meatballs also make great party appetizers when served with toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
