Easy Orange Ground Chicken: Quick, Zesty Weeknight Dinner

Name: Easy Orange Ground Chicken: Quick, Zesty Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (lean); 1 tablespoon cooking oil (avocado or sesame recommended); 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon orange zest; 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); Optional toppings (sliced green onions, sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes); Optional add-ins (chopped bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

By Liam CarterAug 17, 2026

This Orange Ground Chicken recipe balances sweet citrus and savory soy, making it a family favorite. It features lean ground chicken for a lighter take on traditional orange chicken, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is versatile and can be served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Enjoy a fulfilling, flavorful dish that satisfies your takeout cravings without the guilt.

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25 min totalEasy4 servings

Ingredients

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Servings

4

•1 lb ground chicken (lean)
•1 tablespoon cooking oil (avocado or sesame recommended)
•0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
•1 tablespoon orange zest
•0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
•2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
•1 tablespoon rice vinegar
•1 tablespoon cornstarch
•2 cloves garlic (minced)
•1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
•Optional toppings (sliced green onions, sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes)
•Optional add-ins (chopped bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

Instructions

1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess liquid if needed.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
4
Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the open space and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Pour the orange sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
6
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and/or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.