Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken Meatballs combine ground chicken with bright citrus and savory herbs, baked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze. This festive dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a flavorful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (Can substitute with ground turkey.)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated.)
- 1 large Egg (Lightly beaten.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with 2 tsp dried parsley.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest (Fresh.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Glaze
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (High-quality for best flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice (Fresh-squeezed preferred.)
- 1/4 cup Honey (Adjust according to preference.)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (Check for gluten-free varieties.)
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, fresh orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Coat Meatballs: Once baked, toss the warm meatballs in the freshly prepared cranberry orange glaze until they are generously coated with the vibrant sauce.
- Serve: Plate the glazed meatballs and garnish with extra chopped parsley and orange zest for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.
- Adjust honey in the glaze to your preferred sweetness level.
- Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
