Chicken Meatballs with Orange (Polpette di Pollo all’Arancia)
A fresh and flavorful twist on traditional chicken meatballs, these Chicken Meatballs with Orange are bursting with zesty citrus notes, complemented by the rich taste of Grana Padano cheese and the smoothness of whole milk. The light breading adds a golden crispiness, and the sweet and tangy orange sauce ties it all together for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 42 meatballs
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 500g |
| Orange zest | 2 oranges |
| Orange juice | 3 oranges |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 80g |
| Country-style bread | 65g |
| Whole milk | 100g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Salt | to taste |
| All-purpose flour | for coating |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread Soak: Begin by cutting the country-style bread into small cubes. Place them in a bowl and pour over the warm whole milk. Let it soak for a few minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the milk and soften.
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Combine Ingredients: To the soaked bread, add the freshly grated Grana Padano cheese, the zest of two oranges, and one egg. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined into a smooth, sticky dough.
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Shape the Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture, about the size of a walnut, and shape them into round meatballs using your hands. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper as you work.
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Coat the Meatballs: Lightly dust each meatball with all-purpose flour, ensuring they are coated evenly on all sides.
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Fry the Meatballs: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, turning them gently so they brown evenly on all sides. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
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Sauté with Orange Juice: After the meatballs are nicely golden, pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, covering the meatballs. Place a lid on the pan, allowing the meatballs to cook in the orange juice for 5 minutes, so they absorb the citrus flavor.
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Finish the Dish: Remove the lid, and season with salt if necessary. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the Chicken Meatballs with Orange hot, garnished with extra orange zest or a sprig of fresh herbs if desired. Pair them with a side of sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 3g
These delightful chicken meatballs offer a refreshing balance of savory and citrusy flavors. They are a delicious and easy way to bring a new spin to your traditional meatball recipe.
