Bold & Easy Ground Orange Chicken Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

If you’re craving takeout but want something quicker, healthier, and more budget-friendly, this Ground Orange Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It takes all the sweet, sticky, tangy flavor of your favorite Chinese restaurant orange chicken and simplifies it with lean ground chicken in place of battered pieces. The result? A quick, protein-packed dish that comes together in under 25 minutes with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

This is the ultimate answer to the question: how to make orange chicken with ground chicken. With a balance of bold citrus, savory soy sauce, a touch of heat, and the ease of one pan, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner that won’t leave you exhausted.

What Is Ground Orange Chicken? A Takeout Classic with a Twist

Traditional orange chicken features crispy, battered chicken chunks coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. While delicious, it’s not always practical for a weeknight — not to mention, it’s often deep-fried and time-consuming.

That’s where Ground Orange Chicken steps in. Instead of breading and frying, we cook ground chicken in a skillet, then toss it in a homemade orange sauce that hits all the right notes: sweet, citrusy, salty, and just a little spicy. It’s a lighter take on the classic, perfect for busy nights and health-conscious eaters.

This dish also makes a great addition to your weekly rotation of grounded chicken recipes for dinner, especially when you want something different from the usual stir-fry.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Orange Chicken Recipe

There’s so much to love about this dish:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Versatile: Works with ground turkey, tofu, or even pork.
• Family-Friendly: Sweet and savory, with optional spice control.
• Meal Prep Approved: Stores and reheats beautifully.

If you love recipes like High Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry, this will fit right into your weekly plan.

Ingredients Needed for Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together. Most ingredients are pantry staples:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, but adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• Zest of 1 orange (adds an intense orange kick)

Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra orange zest

This recipe also works great with ground turkey if you want to make an Orange Ground Turkey version.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl for the sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Microplane for zesting
• Garlic press (optional)

Looking to add a side dish? Consider pairing this with Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or a batch of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

How to Make Orange Chicken with Ground Chicken – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and orange zest. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set both aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce
Add the orange sauce mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the sauce starts to bubble, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2–3 minutes more until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Tips for the Best Ground Orange Chicken Every Time

• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken; once browned and cooked through, it’s ready for sauce.
• Want it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
• For extra texture, toss in some diced bell peppers or steamed broccoli.

This meal would also pair well with fun appetizers like Snake Charmers Pretzels or a refreshing Fruit Dip for a balanced bite.

Variations: Orange Ground Turkey and Other Protein Swaps

Don’t have ground chicken? No problem. This orange sauce is versatile and works with several proteins:

• Ground turkey: A lean, mild-flavored substitute.
• Ground pork: Adds richness and a bit more fat.
• Tofu or tempeh: Great vegetarian options.
• Cauliflower rice base: Makes a lighter, low-carb version.

Want more ground chicken inspiration? Try something cozy like Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry or go big with Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole.

Save

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Side Pairings

This Orange Ground Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Brown rice or quinoa
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon for a hearty plant-based side

For a sweet finish, serve with Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or a fun seasonal dessert like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:
Let the dish cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or orange juice to revive the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Freezing:
Yes, it freezes well! Freeze in individual portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ground Orange Chicken

• Using bottled orange juice only: Fresh orange juice + zest gives the best flavor.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This thickens the sauce to that sticky, glossy texture.
• Overcooking the garlic: Add it after browning the meat to avoid burning.
• Crowding the pan: Use a large enough skillet to get proper browning.

Presentation Ideas for Chinese Ground Chicken Recipes

• Serve in a shallow bowl over a bed of white rice with sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
• Plate it in lettuce cups for a fun appetizer-style meal.
• Add a slice of orange or some zest for a bright pop of color.
• Use chopsticks and garnish with green onions for a true takeout experience at home.

Healthy Grounded Chicken Recipes for Dinner: Make It Lighter

To make this dish even more nutritious:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce
• Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps
• Reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with honey or maple syrup
• Add more veggies like chopped carrots, snap peas, or zucchini

For more wholesome dinners, check out recipes like Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great alternative with a similar texture and mild flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?
You can use bottled, but add fresh zest if possible to boost the flavor.

How do I make this spicier?
Add more chili flakes, sriracha, or even diced jalapeños.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes, especially if you’re serving with rice that will absorb some of it.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts + Share & Subscribe CTA

This easy Ground Orange Chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free dinner recipe that’s full of bold Chinese-inspired flavors. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried takeout but still delivers that sweet, sticky, tangy punch we all love. With lean protein, quick cook time, and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Print