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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk together the sauce components in a separate bowl, combining soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well blended.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the seasoned chicken, stirring continuously to ensure complete coating and prevent burning.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing of cornstarch with of cold water, then gradually add to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and let the ground orange chicken rest for one minute to allow the sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
- 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