I’ve been making this Orange Ground Chicken for years, and trust me, you’re about to uncover your new weeknight favorite! Have you ever craved something tangy, sweet, and savory all at once? This 30-minute wonder transforms humble ground chicken into a citrusy delight that’ll make your taste buds dance. The secret? Fresh orange juice and zest that create the most amazing glaze. Ready to transform dinner from boring to brilliant with just a handful of ingredients?
Your Complete Ingredients List
Ready to make a delicious orange ground chicken that’s bursting with tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors? This recipe combines the bright citrus notes of orange with savory ground chicken for a meal that comes together quickly and tastes like something from your favorite takeout spot.
The ingredient list is straightforward, and you probably have many of these items in your pantry already.
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch knob of ginger, finely diced
- Zest and juice of one large orange
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic paste or sriracha
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Black pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your orange makes a big difference in the final dish. Look for oranges with bright, fragrant skin for the best zest.
And don’t worry if you need to make substitutions—chicken broth can be added if the sauce needs thinning, and honey can replace brown sugar in a pinch. As for the spice level, the recipe suggests 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic paste, but you know your heat tolerance better than anyone. Start with less and add more as you go if you’re unsure.
Cooking Instruction
Start by preparing your orange sauce, which is the star of this dish. In a bowl, combine the zest and juice of one large orange with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Add your 2 cloves of minced garlic, the finely diced 1-inch knob of ginger, and 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic paste (depending on how spicy you like things). Give everything a good whisk until it’s well combined. The sauce should look glossy and smell absolutely divine—that citrus-soy combination is simply mouthwatering.
Now it’s time to cook your 1 pound of ground chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Season with black pepper to taste and continue cooking until the chicken is completely browned with no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point. Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in your prepared orange sauce and stir well to coat every bit of chicken.
Let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meat. Can you imagine how good this smells right now?
For an even healthier approach to this recipe, consider cooking it in an air fryer convection oven to reduce the amount of oil needed while maintaining the crispy texture.
To finish this delightful dish, sprinkle your 2 thinly sliced scallions over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The orange ground chicken is best served over fluffy white rice, which soaks up that tangy, sweet sauce perfectly.
For some extra texture, consider adding some sesame seeds or chopped nuts as a garnish. The vibrant orange notes from the fresh zest really make this dish special, so don’t be tempted to skip that step.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a flavor adventure that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Tips & Variations
While this orange chicken recipe is wonderfully delicious as written, I’ve got several tips to help you customize it to your preferences!
Want more texture? Try adding diced bell peppers or water chestnuts during the final minute of cooking. For a citrus twist, mix in a tablespoon of lime juice alongside the orange! Love it spicier? Double the chili paste, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Watching carbs? Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. You can even make this ahead – the flavors actually deepen overnight in the fridge. Trust me, it’s even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
This orange ground chicken truly shines with the right accompaniments!
I love serving it over fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up all that tangy-sweet sauce. Have you tried it with steamed broccoli on the side? The vibrant green against the orange-glazed chicken isn’t just pretty—it’s delicious!
For a low-carb option, spoon it into lettuce cups with julienned carrots for extra crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Serve it in a bowl with cucumber, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Trust me, this versatile dish works beautifully as meal prep too!
Smart Storage Solutions
If you’ve managed to have any leftovers of this delicious orange chicken (which rarely happens in my house!), storing them properly will keep that flavor intact for days.
I recommend using airtight containers in the refrigerator, where your orange chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? No problem! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last about 2 months.
When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts or gently warm on the stovetop.
The flavors actually deepen overnight – making those rare leftovers something to look forward to!
Nutrition Information
Health-conscious eaters, I’ve got good news for you! This orange ground chicken recipe isn’t just bursting with flavor—it’s relatively light on calories too. Each serving contains approximately 290 calories, 16g protein, and is packed with vitamin C from that fresh orange.
Want to make it even healthier? Swap the brown sugar for honey or reduce it by half. You’ll barely notice the difference!
The lean ground chicken provides plenty of protein without excessive fat, and the fresh ginger adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
Paired with brown rice and steamed veggies, you’ve got a perfectly balanced meal that’ll satisfy your takeout cravings without the guilt!
