Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Ground Orange Chicken is a flavorful and quick twist on a classic dish, perfect for weeknight dinners. The zesty orange sauce pairs wonderfully with tender ground chicken, creating a deliciously saucy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• Zest of ½ orange
• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the rice wine, 2 tablespoons of water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest to make the sauce.
2. Step 2: Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water and set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook without stirring until a good crust forms on one side.
4. Step 4: Break the chicken apart with a spatula and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the pan. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the prepared orange sauce and bring it to a boil.
7. Step 7: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Add chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for extra texture and taste.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of zest?

Yes, you can add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice for extra citrus flavor, but keep an eye on the sauce consistency as it may thin the sauce slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Ground Orange Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on traditional orange chicken using ground chicken for a leaner, faster-cooking alternative. The dish features a vibrant homemade orange sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice, creating a delicious meal ideal for weeknights.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger root, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Orange Sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• Zest of ½ orange

Thickening Agent

• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly for the orange sauce.
2. Dissolve Cornstarch: In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and set this slurry aside; this will be used later to thicken the sauce.
3. Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and allow it to cook undisturbed until a crisp crust forms on the bottom before breaking it apart. Continue cooking and breaking the chicken into smaller pieces with a spatula for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Add Aromatics: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the pan. Stir and cook for approximately 10 seconds to release their flavors without burning.
5. Add the Orange Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with the chicken and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine all flavors.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture, cooking for just a few seconds while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• You can adjust the crushed red pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
• Serve this dish over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari sauce.
• Make sure not to overcook the garlic and ginger to avoid bitterness.

Keywords: ground orange chicken, quick orange chicken recipe, easy ground chicken dinner, Asian-inspired chicken, stovetop chicken recipe