Quick & Tangy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Ground orange chicken redefines an iconic takeout favorite into a swift, homemade delight that dances with zesty citrus notes.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate how this variation simplifies traditional preparation without sacrificing incredible taste profiles.

The meat’s tender texture becomes a perfect canvas for bright, tangy flavors that awaken every palate.

Weeknight cooking gets an exciting upgrade with this streamlined protein option that brings restaurant-quality excitement to your dining table.

Surprisingly easy techniques allow you to craft a meal that rivals professional kitchen creations.

Home cooks can quickly master this recipe’s balance of sweetness and savory elements.

Get ready to revolutionize dinner with a dish that promises maximum flavor and minimal effort.

Ground Orange Chicken: A Tangy and Savory Dish

• Boldly Spice Up Your Weeknight: Ground orange chicken delivers a zesty punch with ginger and red pepper, transforming ordinary poultry into an exciting flavor explosion that wakes up your taste buds.
• Quick and Protein-Packed Meal Solution: This recipe offers a lightning-fast cooking process, producing a high-protein dish (45g) that satisfies hunger and supports muscle health in just minutes.
• Nutritionally Balanced Comfort Food: Balancing lean ground chicken with a vibrant orange sauce, this dish provides a smart blend of macronutrients – delivering substantial protein, moderate carbohydrates, and minimal unhealthy fats while keeping meal preparation stress-free.
• Versatile Dining Experience: Easily adaptable to serve over rice or noodles, this ground orange chicken allows flexible meal customization that suits different preferences and makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Essential Ingredients for Ground Orange Chicken

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that provides the main structure of the dish, best when fresh and without excess fat.

• Ginger: Adds warmth and zesty flavor, choose fresh root for maximum pungency.
• Garlic: Provides deep, savory undertone, fresh cloves offer the most robust taste.
• Red Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and mild spiciness to the dish.

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.
• Sauce Ingredients (not specified): Likely include soy sauce, orange juice, or other complementary flavors to create a balanced coating for the ground chicken.

How to Make Ground Orange Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Ensure no pink remains in the meat.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Spices

• Fresh grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously.

Step 3: Prepare the Tangy Orange Sauce

• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Step 4: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground chicken. Stir to coat evenly and allow the sauce to simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Slowly add to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly thick consistency.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Ground Orange Chicken

• Boost Meat Moisture: Avoid overcooking ground chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without drying out.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast ginger and garlic briefly before adding ground chicken to release their aromatic essential oils and enhance overall taste.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Gradually add cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce coating.
• Zest Up the Dish: Grate fresh orange zest into the sauce for an intense citrus punch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
• Prevent Bland Protein: Season ground chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to build layers of flavor from the start of the preparation.

Storing and Reheating Ground Orange Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ground orange chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Microwave is another quick option – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Pairing Ground Orange Chicken with Vegetables or Rice

• Pair with Crisp Citrus Salad: Create a light, refreshing side that complements the orange chicken's zesty flavor. Toss mixed greens with mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Match with Chilled Green Tea: Brew a cool, slightly bitter green tea to balance the dish's sweetness and heat. The clean, herbal notes will cleanse the palate between bites of the spicy ground chicken.
• Serve Alongside Sesame Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a crunchy, cool slaw with thinly sliced cucumbers, toasted sesame seeds, and a rice vinegar dressing. This side dish will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful chicken.

Variations of Ground Orange Chicken to Explore

• Zesty Citrus Fusion: Replace orange with lemon or lime zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the ground chicken's mild taste.
• Spicy Thai Kick: Incorporate red curry paste and coconut milk to transform the dish into a creamy, heat-packed meal with authentic Southeast Asian notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix in oregano, basil, and a splash of white wine to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with aromatic herb undertones and lighter sauce consistency.
• Asian Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, carrots, and water chestnuts for extra crunch, nutrition, and a colorful presentation that elevates the original recipe's texture and visual appeal.

Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty ground orange chicken delivers a tantalizing Asian-inspired culinary journey with bold citrus notes. Crispy, glazed chicken pieces nestled over fluffy rice promise a delightful meal that will satisfy spice enthusiasts and comfort food seekers alike.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Sauce Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons water (divided)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• Zest of ½ an orange

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon crushed hot red chili pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble ground chicken into the pan, cooking until the meat turns golden brown and loses its raw pink color, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate finely minced fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes into the chicken, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic spices evenly throughout the meat.
3. Whisk together the sauce components in a separate bowl, combining soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well blended.
4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the seasoned chicken, stirring continuously to ensure complete coating and prevent burning.
5. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing of cornstarch with of cold water, then gradually add to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
6. Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a glossy, clingy coating on the meat.
7. Remove from heat and let the ground orange chicken rest for one minute to allow the sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
8. Serve hot over steamed white rice or lo mein noodles, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Orange zest adds an intense citrusy punch, elevating the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Cornstarch helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each chicken morsel.
• Ground chicken works wonderfully as a lighter protein alternative to traditional orange chicken recipes.
• Fresh ginger and garlic provide depth and aromatic warmth, transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 120mg