Orange Chicken Meatballs
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s high in protein and full of flavor? These orange chicken meatballs bring sweet, savory, and zesty all in one bite. They’re made with lean ground chicken, fresh orange, and a double hit of ginger for that little kick. Oh, and we’re sneaking in cottage cheese for extra protein and moisture. You won’t even notice it – promise.
This recipe is perfect if you’re trying to eat clean but still want something fun. The sauce is tangy and a little sticky, just right over fluffy rice or next to some roasted veggies. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one’s a keeper for sure.
Before You Get Started
You don’t need much here – just a skillet and a good nonstick surface. Make sure your meatballs are well-formed so they don’t fall apart when browning. Use a cookie scoop or your hands and don’t overwork the mix. The sauce comes together fast, so have everything prepped ahead.
For extra ease, pair it with microwave rice or frozen veggies. Less cleanup, more chill time.
What You Need To Make Orange Chicken Meatballs
You’ll need ground chicken, panko, cottage cheese (trust me on this), soy sauce or coconut aminos, orange zest, and plenty of ginger. The sauce uses fresh-squeezed orange juice, more zest, and a few simple aromatics. Check the recipe card for the full list.
How To Make Orange Chicken Meatballs
1
Start by combining all your meatball ingredients in a bowl. That’s ground chicken, panko, cottage cheese (yes, really), soy sauce or coconut aminos, orange zest, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs.
2
Heat a skillet with a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Once cooked through, remove and set aside. Scrap out any leftover bits in the pan.
3
Next, pour in your sauce ingredients – coconut aminos or soy sauce, orange zest and juice, minced ginger, and diced chives. Let it come to a simmer. Add the meatballs back into the pan, cover, and cook for 7–10 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly.
4
Serve hot over rice or your favorite veggie side.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I skip the cottage cheese?
You could, but it adds moisture and protein. You won’t taste it, and it makes the meatballs extra tender.
What can I use instead of ground chicken?
Ground turkey works great. Even lean pork if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a low-carb option?
Skip the rice and serve these over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Orange Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Zest of ½ orange
- 2 hefty tbsp minced ginger
- S&P to taste
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese for extra protein and moisture
Sauce:
- ½ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- Zest of ½ orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 chives diced
Instructions
- Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form into balls. Heat oil in a skillet, brown meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sauce ingredients. Let simmer. Return meatballs to the pan, cover and cook on medium heat for 7–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Heat your rice or veggies and serve meatballs hot with sauce spooned over the top.
