Ground Orange Chicken

If you’ve ever wished takeout could magically appear on your dinner table (without the mystery ingredients), say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal: Ground Orange Chicken. It’s tangy, sweet, slightly spicy, and—drumroll, please—ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is a total game-changer for busy evenings, picky eaters, and anyone craving a flavor-packed meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Orange Chicken

This isn’t your typical stir-fry. Using ground chicken means no dicing, no cubing—just toss it in a pan and let it sizzle. It’s the same addictive flavor you love in classic orange chicken but simplified for real-life schedules. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this crave-worthy dish to life:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon hot red chili pepper, crushed (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 tablespoons water (plus 1 more tablespoon, separated)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• Zest of 1/2 an orange
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Quick & Easy Steps

1. Whisk Together the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest. Set aside—your kitchen is already smelling like a takeout dream.
2. Prep the Thickener: In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water. This is what gives your sauce that signature glossy, clingy texture.
3. Sizzle the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground chicken and let it brown without stirring too much. Once a crust forms, break it apart and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for just about 10 seconds—just enough to wake up those flavors.
5. Pour in the Magic: Add your orange sauce and bring it all to a gentle boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for a few more seconds until thickened.

Cooking Tips for That Takeout Feel

• Let it crust! Don’t stir the chicken right away. Letting it sit helps build that golden, crispy layer that mimics wok-seared flavor.
• Adjust the heat. Love a fiery kick? Amp up the crushed red chili. Prefer it mild? Dial it back or skip it entirely.
• Serve it right. This is amazing over jasmine rice, but cauliflower rice or noodles are fabulous swaps.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I started making this recipe on a whim one weeknight when I had exactly 20 minutes and a pound of ground chicken. The kids were “starving,” I was running on coffee fumes, and I needed a win. That zesty orange aroma filled the kitchen, and by the time it hit the table, it was love at first bite. Now, it’s on our regular rotation—a favorite even among my pickiest eaters.

FAQs About Ground Orange Chicken

Bring on the Orange Chicken Cravings

Whether you’re winding down after work or wrangling little ones before bedtime, Ground Orange Chicken is the dinner win we all need. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with that citrusy tang we love from takeout—but made in your very own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a regular on your menu too. Let me know how it goes, and don’t forget to snap a pic before it disappears!

More Flavor-Packed Chicken Recipes to Try Next

Love how quick and delicious this Ground Orange Chicken turned out? You’re not alone! If you’re craving more flavorful, easy-to-make meals that bring the wow factor to dinner time, here are some tasty ideas you’ll want to bookmark:

• For a buttery, spicy pasta dish that’s weeknight-worthy, check out our bold and creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta.
• Craving something comforting and cheesy? Our Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast lives up to its name—and then some.
• Looking for a cozy Tex-Mex casserole to feed a crowd? Don’t miss the hearty and flavorful Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole.
• In the mood for something creamy with a bit of heat? Our High Protein Creamy Chilli Chicken Enchiladas are a protein-packed dream.

These dishes are all fan favorites and perfect complements to your new go-to orange chicken. Happy cooking, and see you back in the kitchen soon!

Ground Orange Chicken

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Ground Orange Chicken is a quick, flavorful takeout-style meal made at home in under 30 minutes! Juicy ground chicken is cooked in a zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce, perfect over steamed rice for a satisfying family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp hot red chili pepper, crushed

• 1 tablespoon rice wine

• 2 tablespoons water (plus 1 tablespoon more for slurry)

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 4 teaspoons soy sauce

• 5 tablespoons sugar

• 5 tablespoons white vinegar

• Zest of ½ orange

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together rice wine, 2 tbsp water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest to create the sauce. Set aside.

2. In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1 tbsp of water. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and let it sear undisturbed until a crust forms.

4. Break apart the chicken with a spatula and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red chili. Cook for about 10 seconds.

6. Pour in the orange sauce and bring to a boil.

7. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for a few seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

8. Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes to make it milder or spicier.
Ground turkey works great as a substitute.
Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully!
For extra veggies, toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg