Introduction
Looking for a quick, tasty dinner that doesn’t make a mess in your kitchen? Then this Ground Orange Chicken is perfect for you! It’s made using just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. This dish is a fun twist on the classic orange chicken you find in takeout meals.
Instead of using breaded chicken chunks, we use ground chicken, which cooks faster and soaks up all the yummy sauce. The orange sauce is sweet, tangy, and a little sticky – just like it should be! Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this meal is great for busy weeknights. Plus, it tastes better than fast food and is much healthier too!
Ingredients – Ground Orange Chicken
Here’s everything you need to make Ground Orange Chicken. All the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or more if you like it sweeter)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Zest of 1 orange (for extra flavor)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange slices
Step-by-Step Process – Ground Orange Chicken
This recipe is super simple and can be done in 20–25 minutes. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, mix:
- Orange juice
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Orange zest
In a separate cup, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Set both mixtures aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the aroma.
Now add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink. This usually takes 6–8 minutes. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the orange sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts bubbling.
Now stir in the cornstarch slurry. This will make the sauce thicker and stickier. Keep stirring for another 2–3 minutes until everything is nicely coated and shiny.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions on top if you like.
You can serve Ground Orange Chicken with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Vitamin C | 40% of Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option. Ground beef will taste good too, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Q2: Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. You can skip them if you don’t want any spice.
Q3: Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Yes, but try to use fresh juice for the best flavor. Just avoid orange juice with added sugar.
Q4: How long does Ground Orange Chicken last in the fridge?
It stays good for about 3–4 days in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q5: What can I serve with this dish?
White rice, brown rice, noodles, or even steamed broccoli work really well.
Final Thoughts
Ground Orange Chicken is a simple and tasty meal that anyone can make. It’s perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You only need one pan! That means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your food.
Whether you’re cooking for your kids, your friends, or just yourself – this recipe is sure to be a hit. The sweet and tangy orange sauce makes it special, while the ground chicken keeps it light and fast. So why wait? Grab your pan and start cooking this amazing dish today!
