Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors—Spicy Orange Chicken and Broccoli! This quick and easy recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful way to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant meal that serves four, making it ideal for family dinners or impressing guests. With tender chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce and crisp broccoli, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Don't miss out on the secret to achieving that perfect blend of flavors—read on to discover how to create this delicious masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tsp of red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp of cornstarch, and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Make sure to have cooked rice ready for serving.
- In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined. This will be your marinade and sauce.
- In another bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli if needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the spicy orange chicken and broccoli over cooked rice.
- Garnish with additional red pepper flakes or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade Spicy Orange Chicken and Broccoli!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your chicken and broccoli in advance. You can even mix the marinade a day earlier and store it in the fridge for enhanced flavor.
- Crispy Chicken: For an extra crispy texture, ensure the chicken is well-coated with cornstarch before frying. This creates a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love the heat, feel free to add more to kick up the spice level!
- Perfect Broccoli: To keep your broccoli bright and crisp, avoid overcooking it. A few minutes of stir-frying is all it needs to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding it to the chicken and broccoli. For a lighter sauce, remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired thickness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Spicy Orange Chicken and Broccoli over fluffy cooked rice or even quinoa for a nutritious twist. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an added touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 72mg
