Ground Orange Chicken

Ground orange chicken brings the irresistible flavors of Panda Express's popular dish into an easy one-pan meal that's ready in just 20 minutes. This clever twist replaces deep-fried chicken chunks with well-browned ground chicken that still delivers satisfying texture while dramatically reducing preparation time and calories. The signature sweet-tangy orange sauce coats every morsel of meat for consistent flavor in each bite, making this streamlined version perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving takeout flavors without the wait or guilt.

I discovered this recipe when contemplating what to do with ground chicken one evening. Having made Korean ground beef for years, I suddenly thought about applying the same cooking method to create a healthier version of Panda Express's orange chicken. After one bite, my family declared it needed to be in our regular dinner rotation – all the flavor they love without the heavy breading!

Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Chicken: Look for packages with some fat content (93/7 works well) for better flavor and moisture
• Soy Sauce: Kikkoman reduced-sodium provides the best balance of flavor without excessive salt
• Orange Juice: Fresh squeezed delivers brightest flavor, but not-from-concentrate bottled works in a pinch
• Rice Wine: Key for authentic flavor; dry sherry can substitute if unavailable
• Sesame Oil: Use pure toasted sesame oil for that distinctive nutty flavor; a little goes a long way
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust amount based on your preferred spice level

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by preparing your orange sauce, which allows the flavors to blend while you cook the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup orange juice, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon orange zest until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2:

Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot, then add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, swirling to coat the cooking surface. The proper temperature is crucial for developing a good sear on the ground chicken, which creates texture and flavor.

Step 3:

Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the hot pan, but resist the immediate urge to break it apart. Instead, allow it to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a nice golden-brown crust, which creates texture similar to the crispy exterior of traditional orange chicken.

Step 4:

Once well-browned on the bottom, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the chicken into smaller pieces, continuing to cook until no pink remains, about 3-4 more minutes. Creating pieces of varying sizes adds textural interest to the final dish.

Step 5:

Pour the orange sauce mixture over the browned ground chicken and stir to coat evenly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken and glaze the meat, coating each piece with that signature sweet-tangy flavor.

Step 6:

In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until completely smooth. This will thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency that clings to the chicken.

Step 7:

Add the cornstarch slurry to the chicken and sauce, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens, which should take about 1 minute. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to mix easily with rice.

Step 8:

Remove from heat and stir in additional orange zest and sliced green onions for a fresh flavor boost and visual appeal. The residual heat will warm these ingredients just enough to release their flavors without diminishing their brightness.

Step 9:

Serve immediately over steamed rice, with steamed broccoli on the side for a complete meal that mirrors the takeout experience. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce while the broccoli provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory chicken.

Step 10:

For an authentic finishing touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving, adding both visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch that complements the orange flavor beautifully.

You Must Know

I discovered these tips through trial and error while perfecting this recipe. The first time I made it, I broke up the chicken immediately and missed out on the textural contrast that makes this dish special. Now I always let it brown well first, which creates little crispy bits that mimic the appeal of the original deep-fried version.

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The first time I served this to my friend who's a devoted Panda Express fan, she couldn't believe how close it came to the original flavor with so much less work and calories. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms a takeout favorite into a practical weeknight option. While I enjoy traditional orange chicken, this ground version has become our family's preferred way to enjoy those flavors we crave – proving that sometimes the simplest solution really is the most brilliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe as a 1:1 substitute for ground chicken. You could also use ground pork for a richer flavor, though it would be slightly less healthy.

→ What can I use instead of rice wine?

If you don't have rice wine, you can substitute with dry sherry, white wine, or even chicken broth. For a non-alcoholic version, apple juice or white grape juice with a splash of vinegar works well.

→ What sides pair well with this Ground Orange Chicken?

Steamed white or brown rice is the classic pairing. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a simple cabbage slaw also complement the sweet-tangy flavors nicely.

→ How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, start by cutting the sugar to 3 tablespoons instead of 5. You can also increase the vinegar slightly for more tang, or add a bit more soy sauce and orange zest for depth of flavor without the sweetness.

→ Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! This Ground Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store it in airtight containers, preferably separate from rice (if using) to prevent the rice from getting soggy. Reheat in the microwave until hot throughout.