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Cranberry Orange Chicken Bites

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

These chicken bites blend savory Parmesan and fresh parsley with the bright flavors of orange zest and cranberry. Baking until golden creates tender rounds, which are then coated in a shiny glaze balancing sweet honey and a hint of ginger warmth. Garnished with extra orange zest and chopped parsley, they offer a lively pop of color and taste. Perfect served warm as a festive appetizer or alongside rice, they bring comfort with a delightful twist suitable for many occasions and easy to prepare ahead.

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Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:18:24 GMT
A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. Pin
A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. | easydiyrecipes.com

Juicy cranberry orange chicken meatballs are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. They balance tangy cranberry with bright citrus and the savory comfort of Parmesan chicken all rolled into bite sized treats. Glazed with a sweet and zesty cranberry orange sauce these meatballs are beautiful on a party platter and irresistible over a bowl of fluffy rice.

I first made these during a chilly November for a Friendsgiving. We devoured every last meatball and I knew immediately this would be a must for any fall or winter get together. The brightness of orange with cranberry is a refreshing twist that’ll surprise everyone.

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: use fresh and choose dark meat for extra juicy results
  • Breadcrumbs: add gentle texture and keep the meatballs tender try plain or panko for a little crunch
  • Parmesan cheese: gives salty depth always grate it fresh for best flavor
  • Egg: helps everything stick together seek out farm fresh if possible
  • Fresh parsley: for a burst of color and herbal zip flat leaf packs more punch
  • Garlic: gives a savory backbone heavy unblemished cloves are best
  • Orange zest: makes the flavor pop use a microplane and pick a firm shiny orange
  • Salt and pepper: for balanced seasoning always taste and adjust
  • Cranberry sauce: homemade or canned works use whole berry for more texture
  • Orange juice: brings tang and thins the glaze fresh squeezed is most vibrant
  • Honey: for gentle sweetness go local if you can
  • Soy sauce: a savory boost opt for low sodium for more control
  • Ground ginger: adds subtle warmth look for fresh spices for flavor power

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Sheet:
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 190 Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and helps with even browning.
Mix the Meatball Base:
In a large bowl combine ground chicken breadcrumbs grated Parmesan egg chopped parsley minced garlic orange zest and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use gentle hands or a fork to stir until everything just comes together light mixing makes juicier meatballs.
Shape and Arrange Meatballs:
Scoop out about one heaping tablespoon of mixture for each meatball. Gently roll them into one inch rounds and place spaced on your lined tray. If the mix sticks to your hands dampen your palms with water.
Bake to Golden:
Slide the tray into your oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. Turn the meatballs halfway through for even color. Check for doneness by cutting into one there should be no pink inside and the juices run clear. They should be aromatic and golden brown.
Simmer the Glaze:
Set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cranberry sauce orange juice honey soy sauce and ginger. Stir and let it simmer for five to seven minutes until glossy and just thick enough to coat a spoon. If your sauce is chunky break it up with the spoon.
Coat the Meatballs:
Move baked meatballs to a big bowl and pour the hot glaze over. Toss gently until each meatball is well coated. Let them rest for a few minutes to soak up the delicious glaze.
Finish and Serve:
Transfer meatballs to a platter. Sprinkle with extra parsley and orange zest for color and fragrance. Serve warm as a party nibble or spooned over rice for a bright main meal.
A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. Pin
A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. | easydiyrecipes.com

My favorite part is the little bursts of orange zest in every bite. When I made these for a cozy winter movie night my son claimed this was the only way he wanted to eat chicken again. I love how the color brings so much cheerful energy to the table.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before packing in an airtight container. They will stay fresh up to three days in the fridge and reheat quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage freeze unglazed cooked meatballs on a tray then bag once solid. Thaw and glaze right before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey is an easy alternative if that is what you have on hand. Gluten free breadcrumbs keep them allergy friendly without changing the recipe. Swap maple syrup or agave for honey. A tiny pinch of dried parsley works if fresh is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs work as an appetizer with toothpicks or served over rice grains or couscous for dinner. Slice glazed meatballs over fresh mixed greens and orange segments for a fast salad lunch. They are also delicious tucked inside slider buns for party snacks.

A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. Pin
A plate of meatballs with a slice of orange on top. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Sweet and savory glazed meatballs have a place in many traditions from Nordic kitchens to American potlucks. Cranberry and orange are classic holiday flavors but the combination turns everyday meatballs into something special year round. This dish has the heart of comfort food with just enough elegance to stand out.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep chicken meatballs tender?

Using fresh breadcrumbs and gentle mixing ensures a moist texture without making the bites dense.

→ Can the cranberry-orange glaze be made ahead?

Yes, the glaze can be simmered in advance and gently warmed before coating the meatballs.

→ What sides complement these chicken bites?

They pair nicely with steamed rice, couscous, or served as finger food with toothpicks for gatherings.

→ Is it possible to substitute turkey for chicken?

Ground turkey can be used as an alternative; expect slight differences in flavor and juiciness.

→ How can I prevent sticking to the baking sheet?

Lining the sheet with parchment paper helps the bites bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Bites

Bite-sized chicken with Parmesan and parsley glazed in a glossy cranberry-orange sauce with honey and ginger.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 20 meatballs)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 450 g ground chicken, preferably dark meat
02 60 g plain or panko breadcrumbs
03 30 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 large egg
05 15 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 Zest of 1 medium orange
08 1 tsp salt
09 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Glaze

10 200 g whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
11 120 ml fresh orange juice
12 30 ml honey
13 15 ml low sodium soy sauce
14 1/2 tsp ground ginger

→ Garnish

15 Additional chopped fresh parsley
16 Extra orange zest

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Step 02

In a large bowl, gently mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, orange zest, salt, and pepper with a fork or spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 03

Shape mixture into 2.5 cm (1-inch) balls using a heaping tablespoon. Moisten hands with water if mixture is sticky. Arrange meatballs spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning. Confirm doneness by checking that juices run clear and there is no pink in the center.

Step 05

While meatballs bake, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ground ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until glaze thickens and becomes glossy. Break up cranberry chunks with a spoon if necessary.

Step 06

Transfer baked meatballs to a large bowl and toss gently with the hot glaze until evenly coated. Allow to rest for a few minutes to absorb the sauce.

Step 07

Arrange meatballs on a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped parsley and orange zest. Serve warm as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice for a main dish.

Notes

  1. Chilling formed meatballs for 15 minutes prior to baking helps maintain a round shape. Use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly squeezed orange juice for optimal flavor.
  2. Freezing uncoated meatballs separately on a tray before transferring to a sealed container prevents sticking.

Tools Required

  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Microplane grater

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains egg and dairy
  • Contains soy
  • Contains gluten if plain or panko breadcrumbs are not gluten-free

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 18 g