Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring juicy ground chicken coated in a tangy-sweet orange sauce, it’s a healthier and faster alternative to traditional orange chicken. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes.

ingredients

Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe (25-Minutes)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground chickenfresh orange juiceorange zestsoy saucesesame oilgarlicgingerbrown sugargreen onionscornstarchwaterred pepper flakes (optional for heat)cooking oil

directions

Heat a bit of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.

Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.

In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the skillet.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork.

Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—it’s optional.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.

What should I serve this with?

White rice, brown rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables all pair well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work great.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Add a bit more cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, you can make the sauce and chop aromatics ahead to save time.

Is sesame oil necessary?

It adds great flavor, but you can omit it if needed.

Can I make it sweeter?

Adjust the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of orange marmalade.

Conclusion

This Easy Orange Ground Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that brings the taste of takeout to your table in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version of orange chicken or a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.