Orange Chicken With Broccoli
A vibrant and flavorful orange chicken with broccoli dish featuring tender chicken strips in a tangy orange glaze, perfect for fans of Asian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- vegetable oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
- 1 tsp. dark sesame oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. orange marmalade ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chicken and soy sauce in a plastic bag, seal and chill for 15 minutes.
- Cook broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Drain chicken, reserving the soy sauce, then dredge in cornstarch.
- Brown the chicken in vegetable oil over medium heat until cooked through, then remove and keep warm.
- Reserve drippings in the skillet, then add soy sauce, diced onion, minced ginger, grated orange peel, ground red pepper, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Saute until vegetables are tender.
- Add chicken broth and orange marmalade to the skillet, stirring until marmalade melts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, bring to a boil, then stir in broccoli.
- Add orange segments if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken longer than 15 minutes if time allows. You can substitute the broccoli with snow peas or bell peppers for a different texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the cooking process. This recipe is a delightful alternative to popular chicken recipes like Sweet 'N Sour Delight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving alongside stir-fried vegetables or a light spring roll. The dish also goes well with crispy wontons for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken With Broccoli contains roughly 354 calories, with 10g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2351mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. However, it's best to thaw it before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish. Briefly steaming or microwaving the frozen broccoli can help achieve the desired texture without overcooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of ground red pepper or include sliced fresh chili peppers during the sautéing process. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick, tailoring the spice level to your preference.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
For a rich flavor, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. If you prefer a deeper taste, you can use dark soy sauce, but reduce the quantity slightly, as it's stronger in flavor. Both options work well in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).