Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: orange ground chicken! This dish is not only bursting with vibrant flavors but is also so ridiculously easy to whip up. I remember the first time I tried making it—I had a fridge full of fresh oranges and some ground chicken just waiting to be transformed. The sweet and tangy orange sauce that coats the chicken creates this delightful harmony that makes your taste buds dance! It’s become my go-to recipe when I want something quick yet impressive. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is key to making this delicious orange ground chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (the fresher, the better for that zing!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds that savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey (to balance the tanginess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic goodness)
- 1 inch ginger, grated (brings warmth and spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
Make sure everything’s prepped and ready so you can dive right into cooking!
How to Prepare Orange Ground Chicken
Now, let’s get cooking! This orange ground chicken comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. First, heat your vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot, so the chicken gets a beautiful sear! Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute until your kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Then, add the ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to stir it occasionally, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
While that’s happening, take a moment to mix together your sauce: in a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. This is where the magic happens! Once the chicken is ready, pour the sauce over it and stir well to coat every morsel. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens up, which should take just a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. And voila! You’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 lb of ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to combine.
- Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
Tips for Success
To elevate your orange ground chicken, consider adjusting the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste. If you want to sneak in some veggies, feel free to toss in bell peppers or snap peas while sautéing the garlic and ginger. They add a pop of color and nutrition! And remember, don’t skip on seasoning—taste as you go, and you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information: values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers provided here are estimates. For the most accurate info, always check the labels of your ingredients. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about orange ground chicken? No worries! Here are some common ones:
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken? Absolutely! Just chop it finely and cook it through before adding the sauce.
What can I serve with this dish? It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, and some fresh veggies on the side make it even better!
Can I make this dish spicier? Of course! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat gently before enjoying again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- The sweet and tangy orange sauce is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Using ground chicken makes it lean and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s incredibly versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition!
- This dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one pan!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious orange ground chicken is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters! Enjoy your tasty leftovers just as much as the first time!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful orange ground chicken, the options are endless! I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, as it soaks up all that amazing sauce. If you’re in the mood for noodles, try tossing it with some lo mein or even simple spaghetti for a fun twist! And don’t forget about vegetables—steamed broccoli or snap peas add a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your plate. For an extra zing, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top really elevates the dish. Enjoy your colorful and delicious meal!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this collection!
Learn more about the health benefits of chicken in this Healthline article.
Print
Orange Ground Chicken: 5 Flavorful Reasons to Try It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring ground chicken cooked with orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground chicken; cook until browned.
- In a bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken; stir well.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey amount.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: orange ground chicken, chicken recipes, Asian cuisine
