Description
Sticky Honey Orange Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on classic orange chicken. Juicy ground chicken meatballs seasoned with garlic, green onions, and Asian spices are baked and coated in a sweet and spicy homemade orange sauce made from fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that rivals takeout favorites.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 stalks green onion, sliced
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For garnish:
- Sliced green onion (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
For the orange sauce:
- ½ cup orange juice (about 1½-2 oranges)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, sliced green onions, egg, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish. For extra browning, you can optionally brown them in a sauté pan for a few minutes on each side before baking.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Prepare the orange sauce: While the meatballs bake, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until the honey dissolves completely.
- Cook the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl to make a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, whisk in the slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: Once baked, carefully toss the cooked meatballs in the thickened orange sauce until they are fully coated and glossy.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the sticky honey orange chicken meatballs with optional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for a flavorful main dish experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brown meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce.
