Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner you can whip up in under 30 minutes? This Ground Orange Chicken brings bold, tangy, and sweet flavors together in one pan, creating a healthier spin on the classic takeout favorite. Made with lean ground chicken and a simple homemade sauce, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
If you love meals that are both simple and packed with flavor, this one’s a perfect fit. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it ideal for busy nights when you want comfort food without the mess.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Orange Chicken hits the sweet spot between convenience and bold flavor. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, which is great for weeknights. Second, it uses wholesome ingredients that you control, which means less grease and more balance than restaurant-style versions.
The citrus-forward sauce brings life to the ground chicken, while a touch of garlic, ginger, and soy enhances every bite. It’s comforting, tangy, and rich with just a hint of heat, perfect for family dinners or solo meals that feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground chicken (1 pound)
The base of this dish is ground chicken, which cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. A blend of light and dark meat gives it extra flavor and keeps it tender.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon)
Used for browning the chicken, this neutral oil helps the meat develop a golden crust.
Minced ginger (1 tablespoon)
Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness of the sauce with subtle spice.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons)
A classic aromatic that gives the dish savory depth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Crushed red pepper (¼ teaspoon)
This small amount adds a gentle heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Rice wine (1 tablespoon)
Adds complexity and a light sweetness. If unavailable, mirin or dry sherry can be used.
Water (2 tablespoons, divided)
Used to thin the sauce and to dissolve the cornstarch for thickening.
Sesame oil (½ teaspoon)
A small dash of this adds rich, nutty aroma and gives the dish that unmistakable takeout flavor.
Soy sauce (4 teaspoons)
Provides a salty, umami backbone. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt.
Sugar (5 tablespoons)
Balances the vinegar and citrus with sweetness. You can reduce it slightly for a less sweet version.
White vinegar (5 tablespoons)
Adds a sharp tang that balances out the sugar and intensifies the citrus flavor.
Orange zest (from ½ an orange)
Fresh zest is essential for bright, clean orange flavor. Don’t skip it.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
This thickens the sauce quickly so it clings beautifully to every bite of chicken.
How to Make Ground Orange Chicken
This recipe moves fast, so it helps to prep everything before you turn on the stove. Once the sauce is whisked together and the thickening slurry is ready, you’ll start by browning the ground chicken, adding your aromatics, and then letting the sauce simmer before thickening it into a glossy glaze.
It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers big flavor without much effort. One pan is all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and orange zest. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Make the Slurry
In another small bowl, stir the cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon of water together until smooth. This will help thicken your sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground chicken and spread it out evenly in the pan. Let it sear for about 3 to 4 minutes without stirring to get a good crust.
Step 4: Break Apart the Meat
Use a spatula to break the chicken into crumbles. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 10 to 15 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the Sauce
Give your sauce mixture another stir, then pour it over the cooked chicken. Stir well and bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously. In about 30 to 60 seconds, the sauce will thicken and begin to coat the chicken.
Step 8: Serve
Turn off the heat and serve hot over your favorite base like steamed rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice.
Helpful Tips
Let the chicken sit undisturbed at first to allow it to brown properly. That bit of crispiness adds texture and flavor to the finished dish.
Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus aroma and taste. Bottled or dried alternatives won’t deliver the same result.
If you prefer extra sauce for your rice or vegetables, double the sauce ingredients and adjust the cornstarch accordingly.
Keep an eye on the sauce once you add the thickener. It comes together fast, so don’t walk away from the stove.
Details
Flavor: Sweet, tangy, slightly spicy, and deeply savory
Texture: Crumbly chicken coated in a thick, glossy sauce
Occasion: Ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or healthy takeout-style dinners
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Notes and Variations
Feel free to switch the ground chicken for ground turkey or pork, both of which work well and bring their own character to the dish.
To boost nutrition, stir in steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas during the final minutes of cooking.
For a lighter version, serve over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
To keep it gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce and confirm that your rice wine is gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 278 kcal |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground chicken should I use for this recipe?
Opt for a blend of white and dark meat for better flavor and texture. Lean breast meat alone may dry out more easily.
How do I keep the chicken moist while cooking?
Avoid overcooking. Let the meat brown, then break it apart and cook only until done. Adding the sauce quickly helps retain moisture.
Can this be made using just one skillet?
Yes, this is a true one-pan recipe. You can prepare everything from start to finish in the same pan.
Is this a healthier option than traditional orange chicken?
Definitely. It uses lean ground chicken and is pan-cooked instead of deep-fried. Plus, you control the ingredients and sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Let the dish cool before storing. Use an airtight container to keep leftovers fresh.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Ground Orange Chicken | Fast and Flavorful One-Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ground Orange Chicken is a 20-minute one-skillet meal with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor using lean ground chicken and a zesty homemade sauce.
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, divided
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
4 teaspoons soy sauce
5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
Zest of ½ orange
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and orange zest. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and let brown undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Break chicken into crumbles. Continue cooking until fully browned, about 2 to 3 more minutes.
5. Add garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper. Stir and cook for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the prepared orange sauce. Bring to a boil while stirring.
7. Add cornstarch slurry. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
8. Serve hot over rice or vegetables.
Notes
Use ground turkey or pork for variation.
Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.
Make gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 278
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 407mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
Conclusion
This Ground Orange Chicken is proof that takeout-style meals can be easy, healthier, and even more flavorful when made at home. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, you can create a satisfying dish that checks every box — sweet, tangy, savory, and just a little spicy. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your meal rotation.