If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor and comforting savory notes, the Ground Orange Chicken Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. It’s an irresistible mix of tender ground chicken glazed in a luscious, tangy orange sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and zingy accents. This recipe comes together beautifully in just about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but quick. The brightness of the orange zest and juice truly lifts the dish, making each bite exciting and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet incredibly important to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Ground Orange Chicken Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the juicy orange components that bring citrus brightness to the savory notes contributed by soy sauce and garlic, while the cornstarch creates that glossy, irresistible sauce consistency.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The protein base, juicy and tender, cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Adds a fresh citrus punch that sweetens and brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Concentrates orange flavor with aromatic oils that amplify the freshness.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness that enhances the orange flavor and helps caramelize the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang to keep the sauce lively and balanced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, pungent layer that complements the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced: Offers a subtle zing and warmth to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings to the chicken.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that contributes a mild onion sharpness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to round out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Ground Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground chicken until it’s thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. As the chicken cooks, it will release some moisture—make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly and breaks up into smaller crumbles. Getting a nice, even browning here sets the foundation for that rich, savory flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, grab a mixing bowl and combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and the honey is fully incorporated. This mixture is where all the magic happens: the bright citrus meets savory and sweet notes to create an irresistible glaze.
Step 3: Combine Sauce with Chicken and Thicken
Pour the orange sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, stirring immediately to coat every bit. Next, sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the mixture and continue stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes. The cornstarch will work its thickening power to transform the sauce into a glossy, sticky coating that clings beautifully to each morsel of chicken.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s perfectly balanced, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh color contrast and a touch of mild onion flavor that brightens each bite. The dish is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are classic here, adding a lovely crunch and mild bite. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the orange glaze. A few fresh cilantro leaves would add herbaceous brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Ground Orange Chicken Recipe shines alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a veggie boost, serve it with stir-fried broccoli or snap peas to keep the meal light, fresh, and colorful. A simple cucumber salad on the side also contrasts the warm, rich chicken superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform this dish into lettuce wraps for a hand-held version that’s crunchy and refreshing. You can also stuff the glazed chicken into warm tortillas or flatbreads with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fusion-style taco. Another great idea is to serve it over noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions for a complete, comforting bowl meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce thick and coating the chicken helps maintain flavor and texture even after chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together, but make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should be frozen for no more than 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that delicious saucy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra orange juice will help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible, as using the skillet method keeps the sauce smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar mild flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed since turkey can be a little leaner.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Ground Orange Chicken Recipe is naturally mild, focusing on citrus and savory-sweet flavors. If you like heat, you can easily add chili flakes or a touch of sriracha when whisking the sauce.
Can I substitute fresh orange zest and juice with bottled versions?
Fresh orange zest and juice definitely provide the best flavor and aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled versions will work. Just try to use 100% pure juice and add zest sparingly to keep the authentic brightness.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Any alternatives?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as great substitutes for cornstarch. If those aren’t available, a tablespoon of all-purpose flour can work, though you may need to cook the sauce a bit longer to thicken it fully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an easy dish to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Orange Chicken Recipe is an absolute keeper, combining speedy preparation with bright, irresistible flavors that make dinner feel special every time. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the vibrant, saucy goodness that only this recipe can deliver. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious and memorable.
Print
Ground Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ground Orange Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender ground chicken with a bright and tangy orange sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers zesty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound ground chicken
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Chicken and Thicken: Pour the prepared orange sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve the dish hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Make sure to stir continuously when adding the cornstarch to prevent lumps.
