Indulge yourself: homemade orange chicken made easy with ground chicken

Craving the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken but don’t have time to fuss with boneless chicken breasts? Look no further than this incredible orange chicken recipe ground chicken. Using the versatility of ground chicken, this recipe delivers an explosion of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ground Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Form the Chicken Nuggets:

• Using your hands, form small nuggets (about 1-inch in diameter) from the ground chicken mixture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake the Chicken Nuggets:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken nuggets for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

4. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

• Once the sauce has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Transfer the cooked chicken nuggets to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss gently to coat them evenly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the orange chicken ground chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips for Success:

• For a crispier chicken, bake the nuggets for a few extra minutes.
• If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use 1 cup of bottled orange juice.
• You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.

Variations:

• Add vegetables: Stir-fry some chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, into the orange sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or Sriracha to the orange sauce for an extra kick.
• Serve with a side of dipping sauce: Offer your guests a choice of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed rice
• Noodles (such as ramen or soba)
• Vegetable stir-fry
• Spring rolls

“Wrap-Up”

This orange chicken recipe ground chicken is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the bustling streets of China. Enjoy!

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of ground chicken?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with boneless chicken breasts. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

A: You can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the orange chicken ground chicken ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken nuggets and make the orange sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken nuggets in the orange sauce.