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Orange chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish, known for its crispy, golden-brown chunks of chicken drenched in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s often served with steamed rice or vegetables, making it a well-rounded and delightful meal. However, not everyone has the time or desire to fry individual pieces of chicken. That’s where Ground Orange Chicken comes in!
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This recipe simplifies the classic orange chicken by using ground chicken instead of chicken breast or thighs. The ground chicken cooks quickly, and the orange sauce infuses every bite, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Before you start cooking the chicken, it’s a good idea to prepare the sauce. This way, the sauce can simmer and thicken while you cook the chicken, saving you time later.
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Juice and zest the oranges: Start by zesting one of the oranges. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of zest for the recipe. After zesting, cut the oranges in half and squeeze out 1 cup of fresh orange juice. It’s best to use fresh oranges for the most vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can substitute with store-bought orange juice, but fresh is always preferred.
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Mix the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or sugar. Stir until the honey or sugar is fully dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or acidity if necessary, depending on your preferences.
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Thicken the sauce: In another small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. Then add this slurry to the orange juice mixture. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Set the sauce aside for later.
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Cook the aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (optional) over medium heat. Add the fresh ginger and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Then add the orange sauce mixture to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you’d like a spicier kick, you can also add chili flakes at this point.
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Finish the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside. The sauce should be glossy and flavorful, with a good balance of sweetness and tanginess. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a small splash of water to loosen it up.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the ground chicken. Ground chicken cooks quickly, making this a fast meal to prepare.
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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Cook the aromatics: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and onion (if using) to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and the onion is softened.
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Brown the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully browned and cooked through. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Drain excess fat (if needed): Depending on the fat content of the chicken, you may need to drain any excess liquid or fat that accumulates in the pan. This step is especially important if you’re using lean ground chicken, as it tends to release less fat. Simply tilt the pan and spoon out any excess liquid.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken with the Orange Sauce
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Add the sauce to the chicken: Once the ground chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Check the seasoning: Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning, if needed. You may want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tang. If you want more heat, now is the time to add a bit more chili flakes.
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Let it simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. The sauce should coat the chicken well, but not be too runny.
Step 4: Serve the Ground Orange Chicken
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Plate the dish: Serve the Ground Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up all of the flavorful sauce, making each bite even better.
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Garnish: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra orange zest for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add a few extra chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
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Serve with vegetables: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots. You can also serve a simple cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Tips for Perfect Ground Orange Chicken
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Adjust the sweetness and acidity: The beauty of homemade orange sauce is that you can easily customize it to your tastes. If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of honey or sugar. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar or lemon juice.
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Make it spicier: For those who love spice, add a bit more chili flakes or even a splash of chili oil. You can also use fresh chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies for extra heat.
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Use ground turkey or pork: While ground chicken is the traditional choice for this dish, you can swap it for ground turkey or ground pork for a different flavor profile. Ground pork will add a bit more richness, while turkey offers a leaner option.
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Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the dish. While store-bought juice is a convenient option, fresh juice will give you the best flavor.
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Add vegetables: If you want to make the dish even more filling and nutritious, you can add vegetables directly into the stir-fry. Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn. Stir them in with the chicken and sauce, and cook until tender.
Variations
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Orange Chicken Stir-Fry: Instead of serving the ground chicken over rice, add your favorite stir-fried vegetables to the pan. This turns the dish into a one-pot meal, making cleanup easier.
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Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the ground orange chicken in lettuce cups instead of rice. The crispness of the lettuce adds a nice texture and freshness.
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Orange Chicken Tacos: For a fusion twist, serve the ground orange chicken in soft taco shells with a bit of slaw and a drizzle of extra sauce.
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Vegan Orange Chicken: For a plant-based version, substitute ground tempeh or tofu for the chicken. Crumble or chop the tofu into small pieces to mimic ground chicken’s texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the orange sauce a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more after sitting for a while.
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Storage: Store any leftover Ground Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ground chicken with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This Ground Orange Chicken is an easy, delicious, and quick recipe that delivers all the flavors of the classic orange chicken without the hassle of frying. The juicy, flavorful chicken combined with the sweet, tangy orange sauce makes for a satisfying meal that can be served over rice or paired with vegetables. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, orange zest
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until fully cooked and browned (about 5–7 minutes). Season with a little salt and pepper. - Sauté the aromatics:
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the pan with the chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture into the pan with the chicken and stir to combine. - Thicken the sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens up and becomes glossy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water or orange juice. - Finish and serve:
Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt, if needed. - Garnish and serve:
Serve the ground orange chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a little orange zest for a pop of fresh flavor.
Notes
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