I remember one of those frantic Tuesday nights like it was yesterday. The kids had activities, I had a deadline, and the thought of cooking an elaborate meal felt completely overwhelming. My first instinct was to grab the phone and order our usual Chinese takeout, but I hesitated.
We’d been trying to eat a bit healthier and, honestly, waiting 45 minutes for delivery felt longer than I had the patience for. That’s when a lightbulb went off. We all adore orange chicken, but the traditional version can be time-consuming.
What if I used ground chicken? It cooks in minutes! That night, this incredible Ground Orange Chicken recipe was born.
It delivered all the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors we craved in less than 20 minutes. This dish has since become a staple in our home, a true weeknight hero. It’s the homemade Ground Orange Chicken that tastes even better than takeout, and I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite quick meal with you.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Orange Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons this Ground Orange Chicken will become your new go-to dinner. It’s a game-changer for busy families and anyone who loves a good, flavorful meal without the fuss. Let’s break down why this recipe is simply the best.
- Incredibly Fast: Forget waiting for delivery. You can have this delicious orange ground chicken on the table in under 20 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights when time is short but you still want a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
- Healthier Than Takeout: By making your own Ground Orange Chicken at home, you control every single ingredient. There’s no deep-frying, and you can manage the amount of sugar and sodium. It’s a much lighter, leaner version of the classic that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. The vibrant orange sauce comes together with common pantry staples like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. It proves you don’t need a long, complicated list of ingredients to create a spectacular meal.
- Packed with Flavor: This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s an explosion of taste. The sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy from fresh orange juice and zest, with a savory depth from soy sauce and a warm kick from fresh ginger and garlic. Every bite of this Ground Orange Chicken recipe is absolutely irresistible.
- Family-Approved: This is one of those rare recipes that pleases everyone, from picky toddlers to discerning adults. The familiar, comforting flavor of orange chicken in this easy-to-eat ground chicken format makes it a guaranteed dinner-time win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this quick Ground Orange Chicken, we’ll use simple, wholesome ingredients to build that classic flavor profile. I’ve broken it down into what you’ll need for the zesty orange sauce and the chicken itself.
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 large oranges)
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Ground Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small bunch of green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this homemade Ground Orange Chicken recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite swaps and additions to make this dish your own.
- Ground Meat: While the recipe calls for ground chicken, it works wonderfully with ground turkey for an equally lean option. You could even use ground beef for a richer, heartier dish, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: To make this Ground Orange Chicken gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your rice vinegar is also certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
- Sweetener Options: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup is a fantastic substitute that adds a lovely, subtle warmth. You could also use agave nectar or brown sugar; just be sure to dissolve the sugar completely in the sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables! Sauté some diced bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), broccoli florets, or chopped onions in the pan before you add the ground chicken. Snow peas or edamame are also great additions tossed in at the end.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You can increase the amount to 1/2 teaspoon or more. For a different kind of kick, a small drizzle of sriracha or a dash of chili garlic sauce in the orange sauce works beautifully. This creates a spicy Ground Orange Chicken that is full of amazing flavor.
- Plant-Based Option: You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the ground chicken for a pound of plant-based crumbles or extra-firm tofu that has been pressed and crumbled.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this fantastic Ground Orange Chicken is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. It’s a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, cornstarch, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. The cornstarch is key here, as it will thicken the sauce later. Continue whisking until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set it aside for now.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground chicken to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the chicken apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned. Make sure to drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared orange sauce over the cooked ground chicken in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the Ground Orange Chicken simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce begin to thicken beautifully and turn into a glossy glaze that coats every piece of chicken. This is the cornstarch doing its magic! Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Your delicious homemade Ground Orange Chicken is ready! Garnish generously with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it immediately over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite grain.
Pro Tips for Success
Over the years, I’ve made this Ground Orange Chicken recipe countless times. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few key tips and tricks that guarantee a perfect result every single time. Follow these pointers for the best Ground Orange Chicken you’ve ever had!
- Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: This is my number one tip! While bottled orange juice works in a pinch, the flavor from freshly squeezed oranges is infinitely brighter and more vibrant. Zesting the orange before you juice it releases essential oils that infuse the sauce with an incredible, authentic orange aroma and taste. It truly elevates this simple dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the best texture, you want to brown the ground chicken, not steam it. If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in two batches. This allows it to get a nice color, which adds a deeper layer of flavor to the final Ground Orange Chicken dish.
- Prep Your Ingredients First: This is a fast-cooking recipe, so it’s essential to have everything ready to go before you start. Mince your garlic, grate your ginger, and mix your sauce ahead of time. This “mise en place” approach makes the cooking process smooth, stress-free, and much more enjoyable.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: The cornstarch slurry is what thickens the sauce. If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two. If it gets too thick, you can always stir in a tablespoon of water or orange juice to loosen it up. The perfect sauce for this orange ground chicken should be thick enough to coat the chicken in a luscious glaze but still be saucy.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: The final touches really matter! The fresh, sharp bite of sliced green onions cuts through the richness of the sauce, and the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nutty flavor and a bit of texture. These simple additions make the dish look and taste like it came from a restaurant.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Ground Orange Chicken is a fantastic recipe for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh and delicious.
- Storage: Allow the Ground Orange Chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Storing it properly ensures it remains safe and flavorful for your next meal.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick and easy option, place a serving of the orange ground chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to prevent splattering. Reheat on high for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: This is my preferred method as it best preserves the texture of the sauce. Place the leftover Ground Orange Chicken in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or a splash of orange juice to help loosen the sauce as it heats. Stir gently until it’s warmed through, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish! Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods above. The sauce will be perfectly preserved.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This versatile Ground Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can create a complete, balanced meal that feels like a special treat any night of the week. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to complement this amazing dish.
- Rice and Grains: The classic pairing is, of course, rice. The fluffy grains are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible orange sauce. Try it with fluffy jasmine rice, wholesome brown rice, or even a nutty quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
- Steamed Vegetables: To add a healthy and vibrant component, serve your Ground Orange Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables. Crisp-tender broccoli florets, steamed green beans, or snap peas are all excellent choices. Their fresh flavor provides a lovely contrast to the sweet and savory sauce.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a fun, low-carb option, serve the Ground Orange Chicken in crisp lettuce cups. Butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine leaves work well. It turns the dish into a delicious and interactive appetizer or light main course.
- Noodles: This dish is also fantastic served over noodles. Try it with lo mein noodles, ramen, or even simple spaghetti for a fun fusion meal. The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully, creating a satisfying and slurp-worthy dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a deeper, more caramelized flavor, pair it with roasted vegetables. Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus tossed with a little olive oil and salt are simple yet delicious accompaniments.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions I get about this delicious Ground Orange Chicken recipe. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!
Can I make this Ground Orange Chicken recipe spicy?
Absolutely! This recipe is very easy to customize to your preferred spice level. The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild warmth.
To increase the heat, you can add 1/2 teaspoon or more. For a different kind of spice, a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce mixed into the orange sauce before simmering will give your Ground Orange Chicken a wonderful kick.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use bottled orange juice if that’s what you have. However, for the best and brightest flavor, I strongly recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice. The taste is noticeably fresher and less sweet than most store-bought juices. If you do use bottled juice, be sure to choose one that is 100% juice without any added sugar to have better control over the sweetness of your final dish.
Is this Ground Orange Chicken recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this Ground Orange Chicken recipe gluten-free with one simple swap. The only ingredient that typically contains gluten is soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, just substitute the soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos. Both are excellent alternatives that will provide that same savory, umami flavor.
How can I thicken the orange sauce if it’s too thin?
The cornstarch in the sauce recipe should thicken it perfectly as it simmers. If for some reason your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a small slurry. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering Ground Orange Chicken and continue to cook for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. This calculation is for the Ground Orange Chicken itself and does not include sides like rice or vegetables. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Ground Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, easy, and healthy take on the classic orange chicken, made with ground chicken and ready in under 20 minutes. Packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2–3 large oranges)
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Ground Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small bunch of green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, cornstarch, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes
- Cook the Ground Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned
- Combine and Simmer: Pour orange sauce over the chicken, stir to coat, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens
Notes
Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef based on preference.
Ensure to prep all ingredients before starting to avoid delays.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg