Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Orange Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Packed with juicy ground chicken and a tangy, sweet orange sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 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 ½ 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. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
2. Step 2: Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water and set aside.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: Break apart the chicken with a spatula and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the pan and cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan and bring it 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.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of fresh orange juice to the sauce instead of just zest.
• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork if preferred.
• Add chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds as garnish for an added flavor and texture boost.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper for milder or spicier heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s texture, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of zest?

Yes, fresh orange juice can be used to enhance the citrus flavor. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste since juice adds more liquid to the sauce.

Is ground chicken a good substitute for whole chicken pieces?

Ground chicken cooks faster and absorbs the sauce well, making it a convenient alternative that still delivers great flavor and texture.

Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 330 reviews

This Ground Orange Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on a classic Chinese-American favorite. Ground chicken is cooked to perfection with fragrant ginger, garlic, and a touch of crushed red pepper, then tossed in a tangy and sweet orange sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and fresh orange zest. The sauce thickens with cornstarch to create a luscious coating that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Cooking Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Orange Sauce Ingredients

• 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 ½ orange
• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare sauce: In a bowl, combine rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest. Mix well to create the orange sauce.
2. Dissolve cornstarch: In a small separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water and set aside; this will be used to thicken the sauce.
3. Cook ground chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and let it cook undisturbed until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Then break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Add aromatics: Stir in minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 10 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add orange sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with the chicken and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Thicken sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring continuously. Cook for just a few seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly grated ginger and freshly minced garlic.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Ground turkey or lean ground pork can be substituted for ground chicken if preferred.
• Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Keywords: Ground Orange Chicken, Chinese Orange Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipes, Tangy Orange Sauce, Easy Dinner, Ground Chicken Dinner