Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option? This Ground Orange Chicken recipe is a perfect choice. Combining the tangy zest of orange with the savory taste of ground chicken, this dish packs a delightful punch and can be ready in just 20 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger root
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 3 tablespoons water, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons soy sauce
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons white vinegar
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the rice wine, 2 tablespoons of water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and the zest of half an orange. This blend of ingredients creates a vibrant sauce that’s the base of our dish.
- Cornstarch Mixture: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the remaining tablespoon of water. This mixture will help thicken the sauce later on, giving it a nice consistency that clings to the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it starts to form a crust. Break apart the chicken and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Add Aromatics: To the chicken, add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red chili pepper. Cook these together for about 10 seconds, just long enough to release their fragrant aromas.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring everything to a boil, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking for a short while until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously to ensure it doesn’t stick.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is nicely coated, your Ground Orange Chicken is ready to be served. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Key Tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red chili pepper.
- Fresh Orange Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest. It makes a significant difference in enhancing the citrusy profile of the dish.
Nutrition and Servings
This recipe serves 4 and is an excellent source of protein. It’s relatively light but fulfilling, making it a balanced choice for dinner.
The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and orange zest with the savory ground chicken makes this Ground Orange Chicken a must-try dish. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to spice up your dinner routine or need a quick and tasty meal, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meal ahead!
PrintGround Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The zesty and vibrant Ground Orange Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal, combining the aromatic allure of ginger and garlic with the sweet zestiness of orange. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional takeout. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a practical choice for any busy food lover.Not only is this dish a celebration of flavors, but it’s also crafted with convenience in mind. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner option or a healthy alternative to fast food, the Ground Orange Chicken offers both, proving that quick meals can still be packed with flavor and quality.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon minced ginger root
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red chili pepper
1 tablespoon rice wine
3 tablespoons water (divided)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
4 teaspoons soy sauce
5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
Zest of 1/2 an orange
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
Mix rice wine, 2 tablespoons water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest to create the sauce.
Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to make a cornstarch mixture; set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan, add ground chicken, and cook until a crust forms. Break apart the chicken and continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
Add ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to the chicken; cook for about 10 seconds.
Pour the orange sauce into the pan, bring to a boil, then add the cornstarch mixture.
Cook briefly until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes