Tropical Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple-Orange Glaze
Elevate your dinner experience with our delicious Tropical Chicken Meatballs, featuring tender ground chicken infused with aromatic spices. These savory meatballs are perfectly complemented by a vibrant Pineapple-Orange Glaze that brings a burst of tropical flavors to your table. Ideal for serving as an enticing appetizer or as a delightful main course, these meatballs are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your family and friends. Don't forget to share the joy of this mouthwatering dish!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground chicken
12 ounces (raw, finely ground)
fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (preferably from day-old bread)
onion
1/4 cup (finely diced)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
hot sauce
1 tablespoon (your favorite brand)
butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
crushed pineapple in juice
1/3 cup (canned, undrained)
orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup (defrosted)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for thickening)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, fresh breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, chopped parsley, ground ginger, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined.
3
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
4
Place the meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
6
Stir in the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and the orange juice concentrate, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
7
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and then stir it into the boiling fruit mixture.
8
Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
9
Once the meatballs are done baking, toss them gently in the pineapple-orange glaze until fully coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Chicken Meatballs?
Tropical Chicken Meatballs are tender ground chicken meatballs infused with aromatic spices and coated in a vibrant Pineapple-Orange Glaze.
What ingredients are used for the Pineapple-Orange Glaze?
The glaze is made from butter, minced garlic, crushed pineapple in juice, orange juice concentrate, and cornstarch for thickening.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should be baked for approximately 20 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking the meatballs.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
The mixture should be shaped into 16 equal-sized meatballs, roughly 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains one tablespoon of hot sauce, providing a mild kick that is balanced by the sweet glaze.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Fresh breadcrumbs, preferably made from day-old bread, are recommended for the best texture.
Can I use fresh ginger or dried?
The recipe allows for either fresh or dried ground ginger to be used in the meatball mixture.
How do I thicken the fruit glaze?
The glaze is thickened by stirring in a mixture of one teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of cold water.
Should the crushed pineapple be drained?
No, use the crushed pineapple along with its juice to ensure maximum tropical flavor.
How do I ensure the meatballs are uniform in size?
Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter for even cooking.
Can these meatballs be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are ideal for serving as an enticing appetizer or as a delicious main course.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What ingredients are needed for the meatball mixture?
You will need ground chicken, fresh breadcrumbs, diced onion, chopped parsley, ground ginger, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the garlic for the glaze?
The garlic should be minced and then sautéed in butter for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
Does the orange juice concentrate need to be defrosted?
Yes, ensure the orange juice concentrate is defrosted before adding it to the saucepan.
What pan should I use to make the glaze?
A small saucepan over medium heat is perfect for melting the butter and simmering the glaze components.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs and prepare the glaze separately, then toss them together when ready to serve.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they are cooked through to the center and have achieved a golden brown color.
Is salt and pepper included in the meatball mixture?
Yes, both salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste for seasoning.
What fresh herb is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley in the meatball mixture.
Can I use any brand of hot sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
What is the size of the meatballs?
The meatballs should be approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, use a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it smells fragrant.
What is the final texture of the glaze?
The glaze should be simmered until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Are store-bought breadcrumbs okay?
While fresh breadcrumbs are preferred, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs if necessary.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is designed as an easy recipe that results in a mouthwatering, impressive dish.
How are the meatballs finished?
Once baked, the meatballs are gently tossed in the pineapple-orange glaze until fully coated and then served warm.