Pandainspired Ground Chicken Orange Bliss

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving that orange chicken fix? You know, the one from that place? Well, we LOVED this ground orange chicken idea and ran with it! It's sweet, it's tangy, and frankly, it's a game changer.
Plus, it’s so much healthier and quicker to make.
Brief Overview
Orange chicken is a beloved Chinese American dish. This recipe simplifies it using ground chicken for a super fast version. It's an easy orange chicken recipe that takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This healthy orange chicken recipe is packed with protein and less fat. Serve it on a busy weeknight chicken dinner , or any time you need comfort food fast.
What makes this special? It tastes like the real deal but without the guilt! So, are you ready to ditch the takeaway and get cooking?
Ground Chicken Bliss: The Panda Express Remix
Let’s be honest, Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) is a guilty pleasure for many of us! But what if you could get that same flavour without the extra grease and mysterious ingredients? It’s totally possible.
Think of this as your favourite takeaway, but a bit posh and homemade.
Get Your Ingredients Ready for this Sauce For Chicken
Alright, before we get stuck in, let's make sure you've got everything you need. The list below is simple, so no need to hunt around.
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce (low sodium)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil
1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch
1 tbsp (15ml) water
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Ready to cook this ground chicken recipe ? I have been making this homemade orange sauce for chicken for years now.
It is my kids favourite. And they don't complain it's home-made.
Time to Gear Up: Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, mate! Ready to whip up some Panda Inspired Ground Chicken Orange Bliss ? Trust me, this is easier than finding a decent cuppa on holiday.
We LOVED this ground orange chicken, it's a doddle and tastes amazing. No need to be a whiz in the kitchen, I promise.
Let's get prepped.
Main Ingredients: The Starters
Here's what you need, measured out proper:
- Ground Chicken: 1 lb (450g). Go for lean if you're watching your waistline. Quality is key! Look for a nice pink colour, not grey.
- Egg: 1 large (US: Large, UK: Size 6). This helps bind things together.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup (30g). These give a lovely crisp texture.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml), low sodium.
- Ground Ginger: 1/2 tsp. Adds a bit of warmth.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 tsp. For that unmistakable garlic yum.
- Veg Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). For cooking those tasty Ground Chicken balls.
Sauce Boss: Orange Goodness
Now for that Orange Chicken Sauce . This is where the magic happens!
- Orange Juice: 1/2 cup (120ml). Freshly squeezed is best, but good store-bought works too.
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml). Adds a bit of tang.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g), packed. For that sweet, Orange Chicken goodness.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml), low sodium.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). A must for that authentic flavour.
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml). To thicken the sauce up nice.
- Water: 1 tbsp (15ml). To make the cornstarch slurry.
- Orange Zest: 1 tsp. Homemade Orange Sauce for Chicken is the bee's knees!.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
Okay, so ginger and garlic are essential. They are a classic combo. Don't skip them! Sesame oil adds a nutty flavour that is divine.
Honestly, a little goes a long way. No sesame oil? A dash of toasted sesame seeds will add some flavor.
Red pepper flakes add heat. You can sub with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Kit Essentials: Tools You'll Need
You don't need fancy gear for this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe , thankfully. Here’s the stuff you can’t skip:
- Large Skillet or Wok: A Wok works best.
- Mixing Bowl: To mix the chicken mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
- Small Bowl: For the cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk: To mix the sauce smooth.
Right then! You've got your kit and ingredients. Let's get cracking on this Weeknight Chicken Dinner ! This dish is going to be a winner; get ready for an Healthy Orange Chicken that tastes like a treat!.
You can have a delicious Ground Chicken Recipe even if you are not Gordon Ramsay.
Cooking Method: Stir Frying Ground Chicken for Orange Bliss
Right then, let’s talk about the key to nailing this Panda Inspired Ground Chicken Orange Bliss . It's all about the stir frying.
Honestly, I used to be intimidated by stir fries. I always thought it was some ninja level cooking. But trust me, it’s easier than making toast.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
- Essential Mise en Place : Chop your spring onions. Measure all the sauce for chicken ingredients. Get the chicken mixture ready. It makes life SO much easier.
- Time Saving Organization Tips : Do all the measuring before you even turn on the hob. Put each ingredient in a separate bowl. Then, it's all ready.
- Safety Reminder : Don't forget, hot oil is hot . Handle it with care. Don't be a hero.
step-by-step Process: Get Stir Frying
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Seriously, don’t skimp on the heat! You want a sizzle.
- Add the chicken meatballs. And cook until browned and cooked through.
- Keep turning occasionally. Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Safety first, kids!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet. Set aside.
- Pour in the orange chicken sauce . Simmer on medium heat for few minutes. This is when the magic happens.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly, letting it simmer for few minutes so the flavours meld.
Pro Tips: Stir Fry Like a Boss
- A quick tip: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) to thicken it up. If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chilli flakes!
- One big mistake: overcrowding the pan. The chicken steams instead of frying. Do it in batches if you need to!
- make-ahead option: Make the homemade orange sauce for chicken the day before. Store it in the fridge. Honestly? This tip will change your weeknight game.
So there you have it! Stir frying the ground chicken recipe is the key. It's fast. It's easy. And, we LOVED this ground orange chicken so much.
It is a total game changer for weeknight meals. You can whip this up in no time!
Recipe Notes to Make it Your Own
Alright, so you're thinking of giving this Panda Express Orange Chicken inspired Ground Chicken recipe a go? Ace! Let's talk about a few extra bits and bobs.
These tips will really help you nail this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe and make it your own. Trust me, it's easier than putting the kettle on! I still remember the time I tried making something similar but totally messed up the sauce.
Oh my gosh , it was a disaster! So learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
Fancy pants time! Okay, not really. A simple garnish of sesame seeds and sliced green onions makes it look like you put in way more effort than you did.
Serve it in a nice bowl, and boom. Sorted. This dish is really a brilliant Weeknight Chicken Dinner for the whole family.
You can even try adding a few orange slices on the side for a pop of colour. Who doesn't love a bit of a visual treat? This Orange Chicken goes smashingly with plain rice, of course.
A light salad on the side? Winner winner chicken dinner!
Storing this Healthy Orange Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Stick it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll happily keep for about 3 days.
Freezing? It's doable, but the Sauce For Chicken might get a bit gloopy when you defrost it. Just give it a good stir when you reheat it.
Reheating is easy peasy. Microwave it or warm it up in a pan until it’s piping hot. Honestly , it tastes even better the next day.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Fancy a twist? For a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. For a Spicy Orange Chicken kick, add a pinch more of those red pepper flakes.
You know? Play about with it! I've even tried adding a splash of lemon juice before, and it gave the sauce a lovely zing.
If you want to try something different, mix equal parts orange juice and lemon juice. And For a low-carb twist try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice!
Nutrition Basics: Simplified
So, you're wondering what you're actually eating, right? Generally speaking, this recipe is a good shout. You're getting protein from the chicken, and you can use lean chicken to keep the fat down.
The orange juice gives you a bit of vitamin C, which is always a bonus. Just watch out for the sugar in the sauce.
Everything in moderation, yeah? It’s still a better option than ordering takeout, that's for sure.
We LOVED this ground orange chicken recipe! You know, it really is a great copycat of that Panda Express Orange Chicken , just made at home.
And even the sauce is brilliant! This Homemade Orange Sauce For Chicken is delicious! So, go on, give it a whirl! You might just surprise yourself, and you’ll definitely impress your family or friends! This Ground Chicken Recipe is a keeper!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make "We LOVED this ground orange" chicken ahead of time? It sounds like a right treat but I'm short on time during the week.
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken meatballs and the orange sauce separately up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken, tossing to coat. It's like having a takeaway waiting for you, but healthier!
I don't have panko breadcrumbs what can I use instead for "We LOVED this ground orange"?
No worries if you're out of panko! Regular breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even almond flour (for a gluten-free option) will work just fine. The breadcrumbs help bind the ground chicken and give it a slightly crispier texture. It's all about making do with what you've got bit like a proper bake off!
How can I make the orange sauce for "We LOVED this ground orange" chicken less sweet? I'm not a massive fan of super sugary dishes.
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar. Start with half the amount specified in the recipe and taste as you go. You can also add a splash more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh orange juice to balance the sweetness with some acidity.
Think of it as tweaking the recipe to your own personal taste you're the boss!
Is there a vegetarian version of this "We LOVED this ground orange" recipe? My daughter is veggie but I love the idea!
Definitely! You can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians. Simply substitute the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or a plant based ground "meat" alternative. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before crumbling it for the best texture. Everything else remains the same - easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Can I freeze leftovers of this "We LOVED this ground orange" chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. It's best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately for optimal quality. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave.
Bear in mind that the sauce might be slightly thinner after thawing.
What's the best way to serve "We LOVED this ground orange"? What goes well with it?
This ground chicken orange dish is fantastic served over steamed rice (white or brown), quinoa, or even noodles. To complete the meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a vibrant salad.
For an extra touch of texture and flavour, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top - Bob's your uncle, you're done!
Pandainspired Ground Chicken Orange Bliss

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |