If you’re craving a dish with a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s quick to make, bursting with citrusy brightness from orange marmalade, and balanced by the smokiness of BBQ sauce and a hint of spice. Ground chicken keeps it light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate with a large mound of pale pink ground chicken in the center is placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the plate are five small white bowls, each containing different ingredients: thick dark brown sauce in the top left bowl, chunky orange sauce with visible minced bits in the top middle bowl, off-white sesame seeds in the middle right bowl, light brown powder in the bottom middle bowl, and red chili flakes in the bottom right bowl. Three fresh green onions with white ends are placed diagonally on the right side. A white cloth with blue stripes is visible on the left edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but each plays an essential role in creating that vibrant, layered flavor and pleasing texture you’ll love. From the orange marmalade’s citrus punch to the ground chicken’s tender base, everything works together beautifully to make this dish come alive.

Canola or olive oil: Provides the perfect base for cooking the chicken evenly without overpowering other flavors.
Ground chicken: The lean and tender protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
Orange marmalade: This adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that’s the heart of the dish.
Sweet BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky richness that complements the marmalade perfectly.
Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing that enhances the orange flavor.
Red chili pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle heat to balance the sweet components.
Sesame seeds: Offer a delicate crunch and a toasty nuttiness to finish.
Green onions: Fresh and crisp, they make the perfect garnish with a mild onion bite.

How to Make Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce

Start by combining the orange marmalade, sweet BBQ sauce, ground ginger, and red chili pepper flakes (if you like a bit of kick) in a medium bowl. Mixing these upfront ensures the flavors meld well and will coat the chicken evenly later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the ground chicken. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned and no pink remains. This step guarantees tender pieces that soak up that incredible sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet with the chicken, stirring to fully coat the meat. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this is when all those flavors truly come together and create that irresistible glaze.

Step 4: Finish with Texture and Garnish

Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and give the skillet a final stir before removing it from heat. Then, garnish with fresh sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the entire dish.

How to Serve Ground Orange Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a white plate filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice. On top of the rice is a thick layer of cooked ground meat in a rich red-orange sauce, with small green onion pieces scattered evenly across the meat, adding a touch of green. The dish appears moist with a slightly shiny texture, showing bits of sauce clinging to the meat and rice. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred glass bowl of the same dish in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes make a big difference here—thinly sliced green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of green that’s as inviting as the flavors. For a bit of extra zing, a few extra chili flakes on top can accentuate the warmth in the sauce.

Side Dishes

This Ground Orange Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the tangy sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it in crisp lettuce wraps that add a refreshing crunch, making every bite a lovely contrast of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or spoon it into warmed pita pockets with crunchy slaw for a fusion-style snack. It’s also fantastic as a topping for noodles or even drizzled over roasted vegetables, giving you endless delicious options to enjoy it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Ground Orange Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep it for longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Properly stored, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this zingy dish anytime.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, as this helps maintain the best texture and flavor of your Ground Orange Chicken Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the flavors in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with ground chicken.

How spicy is this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is quite mild by default; the red chili pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your personal preference to add a gentle kick or skip entirely for a sweeter flavor.

Is orange marmalade essential, or can I use fresh oranges?

Orange marmalade is key here because its sweetness and slight bitterness create a complex sauce that fresh oranges alone cannot replicate, though fresh zest can be a nice addition alongside the marmalade.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.

What’s the best way to serve this for a gathering?

Serving the chicken in lettuce wraps or small cups with garnish on the side lets guests build their own bites, which is not just fun but also practical for casual entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe enough—it’s an effortless yet flavorful dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something comforting, bright, and utterly satisfying on your dinner table.