Chinese takeout menus, prepare to step aside. Classic orange chicken is getting a healthier, fresher makeover in the form of extra-moist meatballs that are baked and then tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze.
Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs are the culinary counterpart to Baked Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs. Both are loaded with fresh garlic and ginger and baked to seal in the moisture and flavor, while each one stars a distinctly different glaze.
Best of all, these meatballs will be on your table in 30 minutes or less. They’re the perfect make-ahead weeknight meal, a school lunch standout, and the ultimate entrée to pair with homemade fried rice and chocolate-dipped fortune cookies. A fake-out for takeout has never been easier!
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Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken (See Kelly's Note)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons minced scallions
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Make the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 500ºF. Spray a mini-muffin pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, stir together the milk and Panko breadcrumbs and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, salt, pepper and soaked breadcrumbs. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the meat mixture and then shape it into balls using 2 to 3 tablespoons of meat per meatball.
- Place the shaped meatballs into the prepared pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
- Make the sauce:
- Add the sesame oil and olive oil to a small saucepot over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the red pepper flakes, orange marmalade and hoisin sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the sauce on top and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Kelly's Note:
- If you can't find ground chicken at your local supermarket, feel free to use ground turkey, which is often easier to find.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not republish this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
So easy and SO good! Thanks for such an easy and healthy orange chicken recipe!!
You are so welcome, Vivian! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Loved it. So easy
Will try the sauce on other protein
Ie: pork tenderloin, tofu, etc
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Gil!
Over the top delicious…just made it and I really like that you suggested using a small muffin pan . Next time I will double the recipe. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome, Jane! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
These look amazing! Trying them this weekend! Is it possible to substitute the milk in the meatballs with heavy cream?
Sure!
I have made this three times now, and it is one of our favorite dinners. I make rice bowls, using jasmine or brown rice, the meatballs with sauce, then add some riced broccoli, and sliced, grilled pineapple spears and zucchini. Delish. The only thing I do differently is that I add an egg to the (seasoned) panko and milk mixture, and use less crushed red pepper. Thanks for a lovely recipe!
YUM! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Celeste!
Absolutley fantastic! I tweaked it abit for Weight watchers points and it still came out amazing! Nice work!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jennifer!
Can orange marmalade be substituted with orange juice
It won’t be as thick so you may need to cook the sauce longer so it gets reduced to the thick/syrupy consistency!
This recipe looks amazing!!! I would like to make it, but am on a low carb diet. I see the recipe makes 24 meatballs, but do you know the serving size that the estimated nutrition facts covers?
Hi Taryn! The estimated nutritional info is for one meatball. I hope that helps!
Delicious! I was close to ordering takeout and I remembered how good your recipes are. I added a in tad fresh squeezed OJ and zest. The sauce is scrumptious and rivals any takeout. I highly recommend making this easy meal.
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Suzy! :)
I made this recipe yesterday afternoon for lunch. Everyone loved them I was very tasty and delicious. We will certainly make them again.
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Glenda!
delicious yummy and spicy my 2nd time I make then, the sauce is awesome
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Rachelle!