Description
This Ground Chicken Orange Sauce recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Juicy ground chicken is tossed in a zesty, sweet, and savory orange sauce, perfect for busy dinners or meal prep. It’s a healthier twist on takeout that’s family-friendly and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles until fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the aromatics.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is glossy and thickens to coat the chicken.
- Return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the orange sauce.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve this ground chicken orange sauce hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain juiciness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 0mg