Easy Orange Ground Chicken

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Calories: 385
Description

This Easy Orange Ground Chicken is a high protein, flavor packed weeknight dinner made in just 25 minutes. Lean ground chicken is simmered in a glossy orange garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Perfect for post workout meals, busy evenings, or simple family dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Orange Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • For the Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • For Garnish and Serving
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
    Prepare the sauce
  1. 1
    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk with a fork or small whisk until smooth and glossy, making sure the marmalade fully blends into the liquids. The mixture should look thick but pourable and smell fragrant with citrus and garlic. Set the bowl aside so the flavors can meld while you cook the chicken.
    2. Heat the skillet
  2. 2
    Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute until it shimmers slightly across the surface. This ensures the chicken begins to brown immediately rather than steam. If the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly before adding the meat.
    3. Cook the ground chicken
  3. 3
    Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so it can develop light golden edges, then continue stirring and breaking it up. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked, tender, and no pink remains. If excess liquid collects in the pan, allow it to cook off so the chicken can brown properly.
    4. Season the meat
  4. 4
    Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the cooked chicken. Stir thoroughly so the seasoning is distributed throughout every crumble. The chicken should smell savory and slightly roasted at this stage, forming a flavorful base before the sauce is added.
    5. Simmer with the orange sauce
  5. 5
    Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared orange garlic sauce directly into the skillet. Stir gently to coat all of the chicken in the glossy mixture. Allow it to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat (it may look loose at first, but it thickens as it cooks). The finished sauce should appear shiny and lightly sticky without being watery.
    6. Finish and garnish
  6. 6
    Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the warm chicken. Stir lightly to distribute or leave some on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately over warm cooked jasmine rice so the sauce soaks slightly into the grains. The final dish should look glossy, smell citrusy and fragrant, and taste sweet, savory, and balanced.
Note

If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while stirring gently. For extra vegetables, finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can be added to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Ground turkey may be substituted for ground chicken using the same method and cooking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently in a skillet with 1 tablespoon water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: ground chicken
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