Orange Chicken and Broccoli

Introduction

If you’re craving a dish that’s both vibrant and full of flavor, Orange Chicken and Broccoli is the perfect recipe to try. It’s a delightful combo of crispy, golden chicken and a tangy, sweet orange sauce that’s downright irresistible. Add in the fresh crunch of broccoli, and you’ve got a balanced and satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is quick to make.

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels so special! It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes like you put a lot of effort into it, but the truth is, it comes together in no time. Plus, the broccoli is a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor—honestly, my family didn’t even realize they were eating so many veggies the first time I made it! I remember the first time I made this for dinner, and my family couldn’t stop raving about the sauce—it has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s one of those meals where everyone went back for seconds, and I knew right then that it would become a regular in my recipe rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit! It’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and fresh, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even when you want to impress guests. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorites! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love Orange Chicken and Broccoli:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Crispy Chicken: The chicken is battered and fried to crispy perfection, adding a satisfying texture.
• Balanced Flavors: The sweet and tangy orange sauce is balanced with savory ingredients, creating a mouthwatering dish.
• Healthy Veggies: The broccoli adds a nice crunch and a healthy boost of nutrients, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan (or wok), making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters will love the combination of flavors.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 350
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)

Garnishes:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Green onions (thinly sliced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken cubes into the beaten egg, then coat them in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure they’re evenly coated.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the orange sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
6. Add Broccoli:
   Gently stir in the steamed broccoli and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and flavor. Serve over a bed of rice or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve your Orange Chicken and Broccoli:

1. Serve with Rice: A steaming bowl of white rice or jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious orange sauce.
2. Over Noodles: Try it with soba or udon noodles for a fun twist.
3. With a Side of Salad: Pair it with a light salad or even a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
4. As a Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli to keep everything fresh.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add a little extra honey or maple syrup.
2. Spicy Kick: For those who like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
3. Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the mix for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour and cornstarch mixture for the chicken batter, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
• Crispy Tofu Version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu for a vegetarian alternative that’s just as satisfying.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), you can store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the broccoli separate so it doesn’t get too soggy. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

freezing and storage

To keep your Orange Chicken and Broccoli fresh and ready to enjoy later, here are some tips:

Reheating:
To reheat, thaw the chicken and sauce in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For the broccoli, steam it or sauté it briefly in a pan for a couple of minutes. If reheating everything together, you can do so in a skillet, adding a little extra sauce to maintain moisture.

Storing Leftovers:
Once your meal has cooled down, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the broccoli separately and add it just before serving.

Freezing:
If you want to freeze the dish, follow these steps:

Chicken and Sauce: Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Broccoli: While it’s best to cook the broccoli fresh, you can freeze it beforehand. Blanch the broccoli by briefly boiling it for 2-3 minutes, then freezing it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions to help make your Orange Chicken and Broccoli experience even better:

• Can I make this dish in advance?
  Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but for the best results, cook the broccoli fresh to maintain its crisp texture.
• Is the sauce spicy?
  No, the sauce is sweet and tangy, but if you love a little heat, you can always add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Can I use frozen broccoli?
  Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the broccoli before adding it to the dish.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the broccoli separate to prevent it from getting soggy. Reheat the dish in a skillet for the best results.Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.
• Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
  Yes, you can bake the chicken! Simply coat it in the flour mixture and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Conclusion

Orange Chicken and Broccoli is a total crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes—crispy chicken, vibrant orange sauce, and fresh, crunchy broccoli. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make for a busy weeknight. You get that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s quick and easy, so it’ll become a go-to in no time!

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear about your version! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!