This Ground Orange Chicken (1 Pan!) is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying. A one-pan dish that’s quick to make, featuring juicy ground chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s packed with fresh flavors, a bit of spice, and an amazing citrus punch that makes it irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how simple and quick this recipe is, yet it doesn’t compromise on flavor. With just one pan, I get a perfectly balanced meal with tender ground chicken, a hint of sweetness, and a citrusy tang from the orange juice and zest. The addition of ginger and garlic gives it an aromatic depth, and the sesame seeds and green onions add a nice crunch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice, quinoa, or vegetables. It’s a complete meal in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes).
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and orange zest.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of ground chicken for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to spice things up.
Citrus Twist: Try using lemon or lime juice alongside or in place of orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
Sweetener Swap: Swap honey for agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Add Vegetables: I love adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make the dish even more hearty.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: This Ground Orange Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and garnish.
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey or beef works just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you’re using.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free. Also, double-check your cornstarch to make sure it’s gluten-free, but most are.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can mix up a little more cornstarch and water slurry and add it to the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute or two to thicken.
Can I serve this with something other than rice?
Yes, it goes great with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Conclusion
This Ground Orange Chicken (1 Pan!) recipe is my go-to for a fast, flavorful dinner. It’s so easy to make, and the combination of savory chicken, sweet orange sauce, and fragrant spices makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal!
📖 Recipe:
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Ground Orange Chicken (1 Pan!)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Orange Chicken is a quick, one-pan dinner that’s full of vibrant citrus flavor. Ground chicken is cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make in under 20 minutes and can be paired with rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and orange zest.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground chicken for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Sweetener Swap: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Add Vegetables: For a heartier meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
