Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and nutritious dinner option that doesn’t require a ton of cleanup, look no further than this Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish perfectly marries tender chicken with the fresh zest of oranges and crisp broccoli. It’s a delightful twist on the classic orange chicken you might find at your favorite takeout spot, and it comes together in just one pan, making it a weeknight favorite!
Why It’s My Go-To
This Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of tangy orange juice, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice from the chili garlic sauce creates a flavor explosion that your taste buds will thank you for. Plus, using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender, while the broccoli adds a crunch and a nutritious boost. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love a dish that essentially cleans itself? Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and relax afterward.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4-6 cups broccoli florets (from about two crowns)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce, to taste
- 3-4 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok: A wide surface area is essential for even cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop your chicken and veggies easily.
- Juicer or citrus reamer: To get the most juice from your oranges.
Directions: Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the orange sauce mixture, stirring well.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli hot, garnished with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
- For a festive touch, add slices of mandarin or blood orange during the winter months.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for added color.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a hearty holiday meal.
- Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for a springtime twist.
If You’re Curious
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables as well, such as bell peppers or snap peas, depending on what you have on hand!
Make-Ahead & Storage
To save time during busy weekdays, you can marinate the chicken in the orange sauce for a couple of hours or overnight. This will infuse the meat with even more flavor! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Q&A
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breast is a leaner option, but keep in mind that it might not be as juicy as thighs. Just be careful not to overcook it to prevent dryness.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative to brown sugar. Keep in mind that these might alter the flavor slightly, but they will still work well!
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet and tangy flavors of the orange sauce are usually a hit with kids. You can adjust the spice level to make it milder if needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu cooks quicker than chicken.
Let’s Eat
This Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas, this dish will surely impress anyone at your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal that comes together in no time!
Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the orange sauce mixture, stirring well.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Healthier One Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli hot, garnished with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in the orange sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
