This is a paleo-friendly orange ground chicken recipe that is great for weeknight dinners & feels bright and satisfying. It is naturally sweetened with fresh orange juice, thickened without grains, and packed with lean protein. Perfect for post workout recovery, busy evenings, or simply clean eating that does not feel boring.
It delivers bold flavor and high protein without relying on heavy sauces or complicated prep.
Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you need for the complete recipe:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup no sugar added tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions
Optional for serving:
- Cauliflower rice
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra fresh orange zest
Equipment You Will Need
Keeping this simple is part of why it works so well for weeknights.
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer, optional but helpful
What Makes a Great Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe?
A truly good version of this paleo dish balances flavor and practicality. Here’s what matters most:
- Bright citrus flavor without refined sugar
- High protein for muscle recovery and satiety
- A naturally thickened sauce, no flour or cornstarch
- Balanced savory depth with gentle heat
- Quick one pan cooking for real life schedules
When those elements come together, you get something that tastes fresh and energizing, not heavy or overly sweet.
The Orange Sauce
The sauce is what transforms simple ground chicken into something vibrant.
Instead of marmalade or sugary bottled sauces, this version uses fresh orange juice and clean pantry ingredients to create a glossy, Paleo Orange Ground Chicken sauce.
The goal is balance. It should taste citrusy first, savory second, and lightly sweet at the end.
The arrowroot thickens it naturally so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
What You’ll Need for the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, for natural sweetness and brightness
- 1/4 cup no sugar added tomato paste, for savory depth
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos, a paleo friendly soy sauce alternative
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, for warmth and digestive support
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional, for gentle heat
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, to thicken the sauce naturally
The Ground Chicken
Ground chicken makes this meal quick, lean, and protein-rich. It cooks in minutes and absorbs flavor beautifully. Ideal for post gym dinners or high protein weeknight meals.
If possible, choose ground chicken that includes a little dark meat. It stays more tender and flavorful than the very lean breast-only versions.
What You’ll Need for the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, for sautéing
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Why This Is A Great Paleo Friendly Dish
If you are eating paleo, the focus is on whole, minimally processed foods that fuel your body properly.
This Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe checks every box while still tasting bold and satisfying.
Here is why it works so well:
- No refined sugar
The sweetness comes from fresh orange juice rather than processed syrups or marmalade. - Grain free and gluten free
There are no wheat-based thickeners or soy sauce. Arrowroot replaces cornstarch, and coconut aminos replace soy sauce. - Whole food ingredients
Fresh citrus, ginger, quality chicken, and simple seasonings keep the ingredient list clean and recognizable. - High protein and filling
With 1 lb of ground chicken, this meal supports muscle recovery and keeps you satisfied longer. - Flexible serving options
Serve over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables to stay fully paleo aligned.
It proves that paleo-friendly meals can be flavorful, practical, and quick!
Is This Whole Recipe Truly Paleo Friendly?
Yes, the entire recipe is paleo friendly as written, with just one small thing to double check.
Most ingredients already align perfectly with paleo principles. However, it is important to confirm:
- Tomato paste
Make sure the label lists only tomatoes and possibly salt. Some brands add sugar. - Coconut aminos
Choose a brand without added refined sugars or unnecessary fillers.
If you follow a stricter autoimmune paleo version, you may want to omit sesame seeds and reduce chili flakes. For standard paleo eating, no additional substitutions are necessary.
This dish is grain free, dairy free, gluten free, and refined sugar free. It is ideal for clean weeknight dinners and post workout recovery meals.
How To Make Easy Orange Ground Chicken Recipe
Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, tomato paste, coconut aminos, grated ginger, chili flakes, and arrowroot powder. Stir until smooth. The mixture will look thin, but it thickens once heated.
Set aside while you cook the chicken.
Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains and the edges begin to turn lightly golden. That light browning builds flavor and improves texture.
Simmer in the Orange Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will bubble gently and thicken into a glossy coating. If it seems loose at first, give it another minute, the arrowroot activates as it heats.
Finish and Garnish
Once the sauce clings nicely to the chicken, remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve immediately over cauliflower rice for a fully paleo friendly bowl, or spoon into crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Optional Variation or Customization For This Paleo Orange Ground Chicken
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand.
- Add diced bell peppers for extra texture
- Stir in shredded carrots for natural sweetness
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken
- Add minced garlic for deeper savory notes
- Increase chili flakes for more heat
Small adjustments can shift the flavor while keeping the base intact.
Toppings and Finishing Touches
Finishing elements matter because they add texture and freshness. They prevent the dish from feeling one dimensional.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for nutty crunch
- 2 sliced green onions, for brightness
- Fresh cilantro, optional, for herbal lift
- Extra orange zest, for aromatic citrus intensity
These simple additions elevate the bowl without adding complexity.
Storing, Reheating, or Meal Prep
This recipe stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, add a small splash of water or fresh orange juice to loosen it.
It is high in protein, easy to portion, and satisfying enough to support busy schedules and active lifestyles without sacrificing flavor.
