Zesty Orange Chicken Recipe: A Bright Flavor Adventure

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen when you craft this authentic orange chicken recipe that blends sweet, zesty flavors with crispy perfected textures.

Chinese-inspired dishes rarely come as delightful as this homemade version bursting with vibrant citrus notes.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a delectable balance of tender chicken and bright orange glaze.

The secret lies in creating a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every piece of expertly fried chicken.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this crowd-pleasing dish that delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Bold flavors and simple techniques combine to make this recipe a definite weeknight winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to transform your dinner table with this irresistible orange chicken that elevates home cooking to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Ground Orange Chicken

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that provides a light, tender texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Sugar, White Vinegar: Combination creates a balanced sweet-tangy sauce with depth and complexity.
• Zest of Orange: Brings bright, citrusy aroma and intense orange flavor without added liquid.
• Minced Ginger Root, Minced Garlic: Adds warm, spicy undertones and authentic Asian-inspired aromatic base.
• Crushed Hot Red Chili Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates silky smooth sauce texture and helps ingredients bind together seamlessly.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, rich finish with traditional Asian cooking essence.

Tool to Cook Ground Orange Chicken with Ease

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground chicken and creating the sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up chicken while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate sauce and seasoning quantities.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and ginger.
• Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and ginger finely.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing cornstarch and preparing sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce components smoothly.

Ground Orange Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

• Chicken Preparation

Brown the ground chicken in a sizzling hot pan, releasing its savory flavors. Sprinkle in aromatic ginger, minced garlic, and a hint of red pepper for a zesty kick.

• Flavor Infusion

Craft a vibrant orange sauce that will transform the ordinary chicken into a tantalizing culinary experience. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, embracing the meat with its rich, tangy essence.

• Serving Delight

Gently coat each morsel of chicken with the glossy, fragrant sauce. Nestle the golden chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or tangle it with soft, warm noodles for a meal that promises to dance on your taste buds.

Smart Storage for Ground Orange Chicken Leftovers

• Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil to the sauce for an extra tangy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to make the recipe mild or fiery hot, perfect for different heat preferences in your family.
• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or ground pork for a delicious alternative that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during cooking to increase nutrition and add vibrant color and texture to the meal.
• Store extra orange chicken in an airtight container for up to three days, and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the sauce's rich, glossy consistency.

How to Plate Ground Orange Chicken with Style

• Zesty Citrus Plating: Garnish with fresh orange zest and thinly sliced green onions for a bright, colorful presentation that enhances the dish's vibrant orange flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Side Companion: Pair with steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich, spicy chicken and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Rice Remix Options: Swap traditional white rice with fragrant jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to create different texture experiences and complement the ground chicken's bold seasonings.
• Crunchy Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews on top for an unexpected crunch that adds depth and excitement to each delicious bite.

Prep Ahead and Store Ground Orange Chicken the Smart Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and keep chicken moist.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled ground orange chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Microwave works too – cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cook extra ground chicken and sauce on meal prep days. Portion into individual containers with rice or noodles for grab-and-go lunches that stay delicious and save time during busy weekdays.

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory orange chicken delights palates with its perfect balance of tangy citrus and crispy chicken. Zesty marinade and caramelized sauce promise a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 5 tbsps sugar
• 5 tbsps white vinegar
• 4 tsps soy sauce
• 3 tbsps water (divided)
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp rice wine
• 1 tbsp minced ginger root
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• ¼ tsp crushed hot red chili pepper
• Zest of ½ an orange

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble ground chicken, cooking until golden and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Infuse Aromatics: Fold in fresh ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly across the meat.
3. Prepare Citrus Sauce: Whisk soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a separate bowl until harmoniously blended.
4. Combine and Coat: Stream sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously to ensure complete meat coverage and prevent scorching.
5. Thicken Glaze: Integrate cornstarch slurry into the mixture, allowing the sauce to transform into a rich, glossy consistency.
6. Reduce and Rest: Simmer chicken for 2-3 minutes, letting the liquid concentrate and create a clingy sauce, then remove from heat and let settle for one minute.
7. Plate and Garnish: Serve piping hot over steamed white rice or lo mein noodles, adorning with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure skillet is hot enough to achieve golden-brown color without burning, which develops rich flavor complexity.
• Balance Spice Distribution: Thoroughly mix aromatics like ginger and garlic to prevent clumping and create even flavor throughout the chicken.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients completely to prevent separation and achieve smooth, glossy coating on the meat.
• Control Cornstarch Thickening: Add slurry gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve perfect sauce texture without over-thickening.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg