Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Ground Orange Chicken is a flavorful twist on a classic takeout favorite, combining tender ground chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers big on taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• Zest of 1/2 orange
• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest to make the sauce.
2. Step 2: Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water and set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook without stirring until a good crust forms on the bottom.
4. Step 4: Break the chicken apart with a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the chicken and cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the prepared orange sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Step 7: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few seconds, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest for the brightest citrus flavor; you can also add a splash of fresh orange juice for extra tang.
• Adjust crushed red pepper to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftover Ground Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when cooled; add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you can finely chop chicken breast or pulse it in a food processor to mimic ground chicken, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains wheat, so to make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Ground Orange Chicken recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic orange chicken using ground chicken for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The dish features a zesty orange sauce balanced with savory soy, tangy vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, all cooked together in a skillet to create a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Oil

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Flavors and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• Zest of ½ orange

Liquids and Thickening Agent

• 2 tablespoons water (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons water, divided (1 tablespoon reserved for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest to create the flavorful orange sauce.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water and set aside for thickening later.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and let it cook undisturbed until a good crust forms on one side. Then break the chicken apart with a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the cooked chicken, stirring and cooking for about 10 seconds to release their fragrances.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for a few seconds, continuously stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Notes

• For a spicier version, increase crushed red pepper according to taste.
• Serve the ground orange chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• You can substitute ground turkey or pork if preferred.
• Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• The orange zest gives a fresh citrus aroma—freshly zest the orange for best flavor.

Keywords: ground chicken, orange chicken, quick dinner, easy sauce, stovetop chicken, citrus chicken, Chinese-inspired