Orange Chicken with Broccoli: A Lighter Take on a Takeout Favorite

There are certain dishes that, for me, instantly transport me back to childhood weeknight dinners, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen. Orange chicken is one of those. I remember eagerly anticipating our family’s occasional takeout nights, the square cardboard containers holding treasures of sweet and savory goodness. While I cherished those memories, as I delved deeper into the culinary world and became more mindful of what I was eating, I began seeking ways to recreate those beloved flavors in a healthier, more home-cook-friendly way. This Orange Chicken with Broccoli recipe is my answer – a delightful fusion of vibrant citrus, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli that not only satisfies a craving but also aligns with a more conscious approach to eating. It’s proof that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for health, and that a beloved takeout classic can be made right in your own kitchen, lighter and just as delicious.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers Friendly

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:

• 4 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced and peeled (or jarred minced ginger for a time-saver!)
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is wonderful, but good quality store-bought works too!)
• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (this creates a slurry that will thicken our sauce)
• 1 orange, peeled and sectioned

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any highly specialized equipment for this recipe, just some everyday kitchen essentials:

• A good quality nonstick skillet (essential for minimizing oil and preventing sticking)
• A cutting board and sharp knife for preparing the chicken and ginger
• A plate for temporarily holding the cooked chicken
• A measuring cup and measuring spoons
• A small bowl for dissolving the cornstarch

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a perfect plate of Orange Chicken with Broccoli:

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Have your chicken cut, ginger minced, broccoli trimmed, and orange sectioned before you start cooking. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process.
2. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing them to begin browning on one side.
4. Now, add the minced ginger to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. You want to ensure the ginger has released its fragrant aroma into the oil and is nicely mingled with the chicken.
5. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from overcooking while we prepare the vegetables and sauce.
6. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), combine the broccoli florets and the 1/4 cup of water. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are flavor gold!
7. Cover the skillet and cook the broccoli until it reaches your desired tender-crisp state. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. We want it tender enough to eat easily but still with a slight bite.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
9. Next, stir in the low sodium chicken broth, the orange juice, and the reduced sodium soy sauce.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil.
11. Once boiling, add the dissolved cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water). Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce boils and thickens slightly. You’ll notice it transform from a thin liquid to a glossier, more coating consistency.
12. Finally, add the orange sections to the skillet. Heat through for just a minute or two, allowing them to warm up and meld with the sauce without becoming mushy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’m always looking for ways to elevate a dish and make it foolproof. Here are a few pointers to ensure your Orange Chicken with Broccoli is a resounding success:

• Ginger Power: While fresh ginger offers the most vibrant punch, using jarred minced ginger is a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights. Just be sure to measure it accurately. If you can, a quick microplane grating of fresh orange zest into the sauce at the end will add an extra layer of citrus aroma.
• Broccoli Perfection: The key to perfectly cooked broccoli here is “tender-crisp.” Overcooking will result in mushy florets, which no one enjoys. Keep an eye on it during those 3-4 minutes; you can always pop the lid back on for another minute if needed, but it’s harder to un-cook!
• The Cornstarch Slurry: It’s crucial to dissolve the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the hot skillet. This prevents lumps from forming. Stirring constantly after adding the slurry is also essential for an even, smooth sauce.
• Low Sodium Wins: Opting for low-sodium soy sauce and broth significantly reduces the overall sodium content of the dish without sacrificing flavor. You can always adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt at the end if needed, but start with the lower sodium options.
• Orange Nuances: While the orange sections add a lovely fresh element, you can also use a touch of orange zest and a bit more orange juice in the sauce itself for a more intense orange flavor. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as too much can make the sauce overly sweet or bitter.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Orange Chicken with Broccoli is fantastic served piping hot right from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of steamed brown rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. For presentation, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced green onions can add a lovely visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight. To reheat, I recommend a quick sauté in a skillet over medium heat, perhaps with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce, or you can gently warm it in the microwave. Avoid over-reheating, as this can dry out the chicken.

Nutritional Information

This dish has been thoughtfully crafted to be lighter and more mindful. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	216.4	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	33%
Total Fat	7.8 g	12%
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	5%
Cholesterol	72.6 mg	24%
Sodium	551.1 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	9.6 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	4.6 g	18%
Protein	26.8 g	53%

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderful as is, feel free to play with it to suit your preferences and what you have on hand:

• Vegetable Swap: If broccoli isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers (sliced thinly), or green beans. Just ensure they are added at the same stage as the broccoli to achieve tender-crispness.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ginger.
• Citrus Twist: Experiment with a splash of lime juice along with the orange juice for a more complex citrus profile.
• Chicken Alternatives: While chicken breast is lean and quick-cooking, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used, though they will require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

FAQs

Q: My sauce didn’t thicken. What went wrong?
A: Ensure you dissolved the cornstarch completely in cold water before adding it. Also, make sure the sauce came to a full boil after adding the cornstarch slurry; the heat activates its thickening properties.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They will add a bit more flavor and moisture but may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this gluten-free, substitute the reduced sodium soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or a coconut aminos alternative. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Q: Is it okay to use pre-cut ginger from a jar?
A: Absolutely! Jarred minced ginger is a convenient option and will work well in this recipe. Just measure it accurately.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the sauce ingredients (like mixing the broth, orange juice, and soy sauce), it’s best to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry just before serving to ensure the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Chicken with Broccoli is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how we can enjoy our favorite comfort foods in a way that nourishes our bodies and fits into a mindful lifestyle. The bright, zesty notes of orange combined with the savory chicken and the healthy crunch of broccoli create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is utterly irresistible. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can be exciting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to achieve right in your own kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try, savor each bite, and perhaps even share it with loved ones. I’d be delighted to hear about your experiences and any personal twists you add to this delightful weeknight wonder!