If you’re a fan of vibrant flavors and quick, easy meals, then Ground Orange Chicken might just become your new weeknight hero! This delightful dish bursts with zesty citrus notes, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweet ginger, making it a feast for the senses. Imagine the sizzle of ground chicken in a hot pan, as it absorbs all those fantastic flavors, cooking up in record time—just perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
A fun little tidbit: the origins of Orange Chicken are often credited to American-Chinese cuisine, making this dish a unique fusion that has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of many. Much like our popular Teriyaki Chicken Recipe on the blog, Ground Orange Chicken is simple to whip up and family-friendly, making it an ideal choice for dinner on a hectic night. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare!
What is Ground Orange Chicken?
Now, you may be wondering, “Why is it called Ground Orange Chicken?” Well, the name gives away the key ingredient—ground chicken—combined with the bright, sunny flavor of oranges that elevates the dish to new heights. Picture this: juicy chicken ground up to perfection, simmering away in a sweet-and-sour orange sauce that would make anyone weak in the knees! They say that the way to a man’s (or woman’s!) heart is through their stomach, and trust me, this dish is a surefire way to steal the culinary spotlight at your dinner table. So gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Orange Chicken
So why should you give Ground Orange Chicken a try? First and foremost, its main highlight lies in the incredible blend of flavors. The combination of tangy citrus with savory chicken is nothing short of magical, and let’s not forget that it all comes together in just one pan—talk about a hassle-free meal!
Another great reason to make this dish at home is the cost-saving factor; it’s budget-friendly! Preparing this classic at home means you can control the ingredients, helping you save a few bucks while enjoying a fantastic meal. Plus, if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), they make for great lunches!
Finally, the toppings and added ingredients can make each batch uniquely yours! Whether you sprinkle it with sesame seeds, finish it off with fresh green onions, or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, you can customize this dish to suit your taste. If you enjoy this meal, you might also want to try our sweet and tangy Honey Garlic Chicken!
How to Make Ground Orange Chicken
Quick Overview
Ground Orange Chicken is delightfully simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novices in the kitchen and seasoned chefs alike. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of around 15 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time. The fusion of tangy orange zest combined with savory notes will make each bite comforting and satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Ground Orange Chicken
Here’s a quick list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious dish:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger (fresh, grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by prepping your ingredients. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and zest the orange to ensure everything is ready to go.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and honey, mixing well.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Season to Taste: Taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve your Ground Orange Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
What to Serve Ground Orange Chicken With
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Ground Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. The grain will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite something special. You could also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added color and nutrition, or even spring rolls for a fun appetizer! And don’t forget a refreshing green salad on the side—balance is key!
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Orange Chicken
- Substitutions: Don’t have ground chicken? You can easily substitute with ground turkey or even firm tofu for a veggie option.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to increase the honey, or if you like a spicier touch, add some red pepper flakes.
- Check Your Sauce Consistency: If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more orange juice or broth during cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store Ground Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or impressing guests, Ground Orange Chicken brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Try it tonight, and watch it become a family favorite!
Ground Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger (fresh, grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- sliced green onions For garnish
- sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by prepping your ingredients: mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and zest the orange.
Cooking
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Once cooked, stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and honey. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then pour it into the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
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