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Tangy Ground Orange Chicken

Tangy Ground Orange Chicken

Tangy Ground Orange Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring juicy ground chicken simmered in a vibrant, orange-infused sauce with balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this healthy and versatile recipe pairs well with rice, noodles, or greens, offering a bright citrus zing and tender texture that delights the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional Ingredients & Garnishes

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Diced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots (for variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken, stirring constantly. Cook the mixture until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Final Touches: If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to add heat and toss to combine. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the ground chicken to keep it moist and tender.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy sauce.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce to balance the sweetness and tanginess per your taste.
  • Serve immediately for best taste; reheat leftovers gently to preserve sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, ground chicken recipe, tangy chicken, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free orange chicken, citrus chicken stir-fry