Chicken Meatballs with Orange

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

Ingredients

• 500 g ground chicken breast
• 1 organic orange (we will use both the grated zest and the juice)
• 1 egg
• 50 g breadcrumbs, plus a little extra for breading
• 30 g grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped 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, being careful not to include the white part, which is bitter.
2. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. Form small round meatballs, rolling them in the extra breadcrumbs to achieve external crispiness once cooked.
4. In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and cook the meatballs until 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, making sure the juice doesn’t dry out too quickly.
6. Turn the meatballs occasionally to ensure they absorb the orange flavor and a light glaze forms around them.
7. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency and the meatballs are well cooked, turn off the heat.

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

Fun Facts

Orange is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, not only for desserts or drinks but also for savory dishes. Its citrus note can give freshness and a touch of originality to more traditional recipes.