Orange Chicken Meatballs

Orange chicken meatballs are a refined variation of the classic meatball dish. With a citrus twist, they create a flavorful dish that can surprise diners. Here is the recipe with a slight infusion of Italian style.

Ingredients

• 500 g of ground chicken breast
• 1 organic orange (we will use both the grated zest and the juice)
• 1 egg
• 50 g of breadcrumbs, plus a little extra for breading
• 30 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken breast with the grated zest of an orange, making sure not to include the white part, which is bitter.
2. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. Form small round meatballs, rolling them in the additional breadcrumbs to obtain an external crispiness once cooked.
4. In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and cook the meatballs until they are golden on all sides.
5. Squeeze the juice of the orange and strain it. Pour the juice into the pan with the meatballs, lower the heat, and let it caramelize slightly, ensuring that the juice does not dry out too quickly.
6. Turn the meatballs occasionally to ensure they absorb the flavor of the orange and create a light glaze around them.
7. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency and the meatballs are well cooked, turn off the heat.

Suggestions: Serve the meatballs hot with a side of seasonal vegetables or with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal.

Curiosity

Oranges are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, not only for sweets or beverages but also for savory dishes. Their citrus note is able to add freshness and a pinch of originality to even the most traditional recipes.