Ground Orange Chicken (Better-Than-Takeout Style)

Written on 09/22/2025


Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken

1 tablespoon oil

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Crushed red pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons water (plus 3 additional tablespoons, 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

Optional veggies: green onions, broccoli, mushrooms, or any stir-fry vegetables

Cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or ramen noodles, for serving

Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons water

Sesame oil

Soy sauce

Sugar

White vinegar

Orange zest

Cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (to form a slurry, if needed)

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Add Vegetables

Stir in your choice of vegetables (such as green onion, broccoli, or mushrooms). Cook until just tender.

Combine & Simmer

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly, then simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Serve

Enjoy hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or ramen noodles.

Tip: For extra orange flavor, squeeze a little fresh orange juice into the sauce before simmering.