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
(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.
PrintEasy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe (25-Minutes)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and easy ground chicken recipe tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
- Use ground turkey or tofu as a substitute for ground chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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