Name: Ground Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 3 green onions thinly sliced plus extra for serving; 3 cups cooked white rice for serving

If you love the sweet, sticky magic of takeout orange chicken but want something a little lighter and faster, this Ground Orange Chicken is about to become a weeknight favorite. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a bright, garlicky orange sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory, then spooned over fluffy white rice so every bite soaks up that glossy sauce.

I make this on those nights when I’m craving big flavor but don’t want to deep-fry anything or dirty a sink full of dishes. Everything comes together in one skillet in about 30 minutes, using pantry staples and a couple of fresh oranges. It’s comfort food that still feels fresh and a little bit zesty—like takeout, but in soft clothes at home.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Orange Chicken

Ground orange chicken is the definition of a low-effort, high-reward dinner. Browning the chicken in a skillet gives you all those flavorful crispy bits, and then the sauce does the rest—orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar wrap every crumble in sticky, shiny goodness.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can dial the heat up or down with red pepper flakes, swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice, or toss in steamed veggies right into the pan. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so meal prep people, this one is definitely for you.

What Makes This Ground Orange Chicken So Easy?

Traditional orange chicken is usually made with battered, deep-fried pieces of chicken. Delicious, yes—but also messy and time-consuming. Using ground chicken skips the frying altogether, which means less oil, less cleanup, and a quicker path to dinner.

Everything happens in one skillet: brown the chicken, stir in aromatics, simmer with the sauce, thicken, and serve. No marinating, no breading, and no special equipment beyond a sturdy pan. If you can squeeze an orange and whisk a sauce, you can master this recipe.

Ingredients for the Ground Orange Chicken

Before we cook, let’s talk about what each ingredient is bringing to the pan. Knowing why something is there makes it easier to swap or tweak later.

Ground chicken – The star of the dish. Ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the orange sauce so every bite is flavorful and tender.
Neutral cooking oil – Helps the chicken brown evenly and keeps it from sticking to the pan.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that classic savory backbone and balances the sweetness.
Fresh ginger – Adds a warm, almost peppery brightness that plays perfectly with citrus.
Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch gives the dish a gentle kick; you can add more if you like it spicy.
Orange juice – The base of the sauce. Freshly squeezed juice gives you the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Orange zest – Intensifies the orange flavor without extra liquid, so the sauce stays thick and glossy.
Soy sauce – Brings saltiness and umami, grounding all that bright citrus.
Hoisin sauce – Adds depth, a little sweetness, and that unmistakable takeout-style flavor.
Rice vinegar – A splash of acidity keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet and rounds everything out.
Brown sugar – Helps caramelize the chicken and makes the sauce thick, sticky, and shiny.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings to every bit of chicken instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Water – Whisked with cornstarch to make a slurry that blends smoothly into the sauce.
Toasted sesame oil – Stirred in at the end for a nutty aroma and richer flavor.
Green onions – Added both in the pan and on top for a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color.
Cooked white rice – The perfect cozy base to catch every drop of that orange sauce.

How To Make the Ground Orange Chicken

This recipe is all about building flavor in layers without overcomplicating things. You’ll brown the chicken, wake everything up with aromatics, then let the sauce thicken into something irresistibly sticky and fragrant.

Step 1: Brown the chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm a little neutral oil. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Let it sit for a minute or two at a time so it can develop some golden-brown edges before stirring again. Cook until no pink remains.

Step 2: Add garlic, ginger, and heat

Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Keep the aromatics moving so they don’t burn—they should smell amazing, not bitter.

Step 3: Whisk together the orange sauce

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This is your sweet-tangy base that’s going to glaze the chicken.

Step 4: Simmer everything together

Pour the orange sauce over the browned chicken and stir to coat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken with cornstarch slurry

In another small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Drizzle this into the skillet while stirring the chicken constantly. Continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce is thick, glossy, and clinging to the chicken.

Step 6: Finish with sesame oil and green onions

Turn off the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil and a handful of sliced green onions. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt, a little extra vinegar, or more red pepper flakes if you’d like more heat.

Step 7: Serve over rice

Spoon the ground orange chicken over warm cooked white rice. Garnish with extra green onions (and sesame seeds, if you like) for a fresh, crisp finish. Grab a fork—or chopsticks—and dig in while it’s hot and saucy.

Serving and Storing Ground Orange Chicken

This Ground Orange Chicken makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or a few grab-and-go lunches for the week. Serve it piled over steamed white or jasmine rice, or swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something lighter.

Leftovers store really well, which makes this a great meal-prep option. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze the cooked ground orange chicken (without the rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove and serve over fresh cooked rice.

What to Serve With Ground Orange Chicken?

Steamed or Fried Rice

Classic white or jasmine rice is always a win, but you can also pair this with veggie fried rice for an extra cozy takeout-at-home vibe.

Simple Stir-Fried Veggies

Toss broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots into a hot pan with a little oil and garlic. The crisp-tender veggies balance the rich, sticky sauce perfectly.

Easy Asian Slaw

A crunchy cabbage slaw with a light, tangy dressing adds freshness and texture to your plate, plus it comes together in just a few minutes.

Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans

Sheet-pan roasted veggies are hands-off and caramelize beautifully in the oven. Their toasty edges pair so well with the sweet orange sauce.

Egg Rolls or Potstickers

If you’re leaning into the takeout theme, frozen egg rolls or potstickers crisped up in the oven or air fryer make a fun, easy side.

Cucumber Salad

A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds cools everything down and adds a refreshing crunch between bites.

Pineapple or Orange Slices

A little fresh fruit on the side echoes the citrusy flavors in the sauce and makes the whole meal feel bright and complete.

Want More Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Ground Orange Chicken is calling your name, I think you’ll love some of these other cozy, flavor-packed chicken dinners from the Nora Nosh kitchen:

Try Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re in the mood for creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness with tender chicken and pasta.
Make Best Smothered Chicken Breast for ultra-juicy chicken baked in a rich, savory gravy.
Switch things up with slow-cooked sweetness and soy in Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken—great for busy days.
Craving pasta again? Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is pure, garlicky comfort in a bowl.

Bookmark a few of these and you’ll always have an easy, satisfying chicken dinner idea ready to go.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Ground Orange Chicken to your favorite weeknight dinner or takeout-fakeout board on Pinterest so you can find it again the next time a craving hits.

And when you make it, come back and tell me how it went! Did you crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes? Serve it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice? Add broccoli right into the skillet?

I love seeing how you put your own spin on these recipes—and your questions are always welcome. Let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, from cozy dinners to refreshing drinks, you can follow Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest where I share new recipes and favorites almost daily. Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!