Ground Orange Chicken (1 Pan!)

A Quick and Flavorful Take on a Classic

Ground Orange Chicken is a fast and easy way to enjoy the flavors of traditional orange chicken without deep frying or extensive prep. This one-pan dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a rich, sticky orange sauce coating tender ground chicken. Whether served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to become a go-to weeknight favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes and requires only one pan.
• Healthier Alternative – No deep frying, just simple stir-frying.
• Bold Flavor – A perfect mix of sweet and tangy with a slight kick.
• Minimal Cleanup – One pan means fewer dishes to wash.
• Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels or swap in different proteins.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

For the Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Orange zest

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
2. Add Aromatics – Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer & Thicken – Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Thicken the Sauce – Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
6. Serve & Garnish – Remove from heat and serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and orange zest if desired.

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Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap – Use ground turkey, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Make it Spicier – Add sriracha, extra chili flakes, or diced fresh chili peppers.
• Low-Sodium Option – Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the added sweeteners.
• Extra Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture.
• Gluten-Free – Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

• Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the honey or brown sugar and increase the soy sauce or vinegar for more balance.

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice provides a better natural flavor. If using bottled juice, opt for 100% juice without added sugars.

What can I serve this with?

Rice, quinoa, noodles, steamed vegetables, or even lettuce wraps work great.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger pan to ensure even cooking.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili flakes to make it milder.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve.

How can I make this dish crispier?

For a crispier texture, use small chunks of chicken instead of ground chicken and lightly coat with cornstarch before frying.

Does this work with beef or pork?

Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or even beef will work, though the flavors may slightly change.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch is the best thickening agent. If you want it even thicker, let the sauce simmer longer before adding the slurry.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, use a non-stick pan and sauté with water instead of oil.

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Final Thoughts

Ground Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. It delivers all the richness of traditional orange chicken but in a much quicker, healthier, and easier format. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a last-minute dinner, this one-pan recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it out today and enjoy a fresh take on a classic dish!

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