I find myself sometimes craving Chinese takeout. Orange chicken – with it’s sticky, sweet, citrusy sauce used to be one of my favorite meals. But with all the scary additives, deep-fried chicken, sugar-laden sauce – it’s not exactly a healthy choice. So I re-created a healthier version with grain free chicken meatballs that I feel good about serving to my family. Oh, and it’s also totally delicious. Our little one has a great love of meatballs and since I think ground chicken makes a perfectly moist meatball, I’ve swapped out deep-fried chicken for a homemade, grain free chicken meatball.
Veggies and almond flour replace the grains in these meatballs – adding tons of flavor AND keeping the meat moist.
Here’s how to make it:
Grain Free Chicken Meatballs in Mandarin Orange Sauce
A healthy take on a restaurant favorite! Forget the sugar sweetened, deep-fried chicken and sink your teeth into something you feel good serving the whole family!
Ingredients
For the Grain Free Chicken Meatballs:
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbl ginger root, finely minced
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 1 cup finely diced mushrooms (about 3 large mushrooms)
- 1 lb ground chicken (NOT ground chicken breast)
- 1/4 cup finely sliced scallions
- 1 tsp coconut aminos (or sub soy sauce, tamari, liquid aminos)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbl orange zest
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- kosher salt
For the Mandarin Orange Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbl ginger root, finely minced
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 2 tbl coconut aminos (or sub soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbl orange zest
- 1/2 tsp Sriracha (lectin free) OR chili flakes (Whole30/paleo)
- 1 tsp tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice
- 1 tsp honey, optional (omit for Whole30)
- Optional: Sesame seeds and additional scallions for garnish
Instructions
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To make the meatballs - Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a pan, over medium high heat, heat oil and saute garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add mushrooms and scallions and season with a pinch of salt. Stir until mushrooms have released their liquid, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, mix chicken, sesame oil, coconut aminos, orange zest, almond flour and sauteed veggie mixture with a wooden spoon.
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With damp hands, take mixture and roll into balls. I like to use a tablespoon measure so they are the same consistency. Should make about 18 meatballs. *Please note, the mixture will be very soft*
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Place on a parchment lined sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
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While meatballs are baking, you can make the sauce: Take a pan over medium high heat, add a tsp of avocado oil, and the ginger and garlic.
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In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients (except optional sesame seeds and additonal scallions) and pour into pan. Stir until sauce thickens slightly - about 3 minutes.
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Once meatballs are done, add to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Sauce will be thick. If desired, top with sesame seeds and additional scallions. I like to serve over steamed broccoli or cauli-rice!
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I love orange chicken from Chinese takeout! This sounds like it might taste similar, yum!
They turn out great, and you won’t even miss the breading!
Orange chicken is so delicious. Now I have the recipe. Thanks!
You are welcome, I hope you enjoy!
I’d love to try this. Chinese food is a favorite but I always feel terrible afterwards. This might be a better way to go for me.
The meatballs are so good, they will definitely satisfy your chinese cravings!
I love that idea for meatballs – definitely a step up over the takeout options!
These look delicious! I will definitely give this recipe a try!
We were lazy tonight and ordered out for Chinese food. I so wish I had this recipe instead! It looks delicious!
This looks easy and good! I am eating clean this month and I think I am going to have to add this to my menu.
I really hate mushrooms!Is there anything else I could use in place of them for the meatballs? Thanks for your awesome recipes!
These are simply DELICIOUS! Just made them this evening and also had over steamed broccoli. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Oh yay! Thank you SO much for trying my recipe and for taking the time to leave feedback. You just made my day!
Love your website! This recipe was very good; I chose the option to leave out the honey but we definitely missed a touch of sweetness in the sweet and sour! I think monk fruit would also work. The only reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars is I think the meatballs definitely need more than a pinch of salt…likely at least half a teaspoon. Also if you finely chop the garlic, ginger and mushrooms yourself prep time is more than 10 min. 🙂 Thanks for the great recipe tho, and will definitely make again.
Thank you so much for your feedback!
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.