Orange Ground Chicken

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Bright, zesty, and irresistibly saucy, Orange Ground Chicken is your weeknight hero. This recipe takes all the tangy-sweet magic of your favorite takeout orange chicken and simplifies it into a one-pan dish with ground chicken. The result? Less mess, faster prep, and big flavor with every bite.

Served over fluffy white rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Orange Ground Chicken is the flavorful upgrade your dinner routine needs.

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What Kind of Orange Juice Should I Use?

Freshly squeezed orange juice brings the brightest citrus punch to this dish, but bottled 100% orange juice (without added sugar) works great for convenience. You want a juice that balances sweetness and acidity since it forms the backbone of the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Orange Ground Chicken

Ground Chicken
Lean and quick to cook, ground chicken is ideal for soaking up the vibrant orange sauce. It also keeps the dish light and protein-rich.

Orange Juice
This is the star of the sauce, providing citrusy sweetness and zing. It reduces down into a glossy glaze when simmered.

Soy Sauce
Adds depth and saltiness to balance the orange’s brightness. Use low-sodium if you prefer a lighter touch.

Garlic and Ginger
Aromatic staples that bring savory warmth and complexity. Fresh minced versions yield the best results.

Honey
Helps thicken the sauce and enhances its sweetness naturally.

Rice Vinegar
Adds a subtle tang to offset the sweet and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.

Cornstarch Slurry
This mixture thickens the sauce quickly into that glossy takeout-style finish.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds
These are garnish heroes! They add crunch, freshness, and visual appeal to your final dish.

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How To Make the Orange Ground Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour the mixture over the chicken and bring it to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and continue to cook until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the orange ground chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Orange Ground Chicken

Serve this Orange Ground Chicken hot over a bowl of fluffy jasmine or white rice. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or snap peas if you’re looking to add some greens. For a low-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or into lettuce wraps.

To store, let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and still soaks up all that sweet and savory flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild by default. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even browning and flavor distribution.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Low-sodium soy sauce is preferred for better control over the saltiness, but regular soy sauce works fine too.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensuring your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this easy Orange Ground Chicken, you’ll enjoy these other comforting and flavor-packed meals:

• Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for a tangy twist on a classic.
• One-Pot Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Delight if you crave creamy citrus warmth.
• Tender Juicy Crockpot Mississippi Chicken for a slow-cooked Southern comfort.
• Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken for quick rich flavor in one pan.
• Baked Greek Yogurt Chicken for a light and tangy protein-packed option.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you zest up the sauce or keep it classic? Try it with turkey or a plant-based ground?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Got questions? Let’s help each other cook smarter.

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