Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry-Orange Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and delightful option for any meal. They bring together the savory taste of chicken with the bright flavors of cranberries and oranges. This dish is not only easy to make but is also healthy, making it a great choice whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and can be served in many ways.

How to Make Cranberry-Orange Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

450 g ground chicken
60 g breadcrumbs
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 orange
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
240 g cranberry sauce
60 ml orange juice
30 ml honey
15 ml soy sauce
0.5 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, garlic, orange zest, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 2.5 cm balls and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C.
While the meatballs bake, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large bowl and toss them with the warm cranberry-orange glaze until fully coated.
Top with extra chopped parsley and orange zest. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main course.

How to Serve Cranberry-Orange Chicken Meatballs

You can serve these meatballs as a tasty appetizer at parties or gatherings. If you prefer a complete meal, serve them over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. They pair well with a fresh salad for a complete and balanced dinner.

How to Store Cranberry-Orange Chicken Meatballs

If you have leftovers, you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until they are warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 2 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Cranberry-Orange Chicken Meatballs

Make sure not to over-mix the meatball mixture. This keeps them tender.
If you want more flavor, let the meatballs sit in the glaze for a bit longer before serving.
You can also add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mix for extra vegetables.

Variation

You can easily swap ground chicken for ground turkey or even ground beef. If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly!

Q: How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Q: Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.