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Tangy Ground Orange Chicken

Tangy Ground Orange Chicken
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Tangy Ground Orange Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining fresh orange juice and zest with savory ground chicken, garlic, and ginger. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and healthy meal offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and adaptable to gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken (lean)
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp chili paste (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside this tangy glaze to coat the chicken later.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  3. Brown the ground chicken: Add ground chicken to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, stirring frequently to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
  4. Combine sauce and chicken: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan. Stir well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to every piece of chicken, creating a glossy finish.
  5. Final touches: Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes for freshness and a mild spicy kick. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh oranges for juice and zest to achieve a brighter, more authentic citrus flavor.
  • Allow the chicken to brown properly to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to control the balance between tangy and sweet.
  • Mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps.
  • Add green onions last to maintain their crunch and fresh color.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, ground chicken recipe, quick dinner, tangy chicken, weeknight meal, gluten free chicken, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/tangy-ground-orange-chicken/