Sheet Pan Orange Chicken with Broccoli Stir Fry
A make-ahead sheet pan dinner combining tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a bright, tangy orange-ginger glaze. This recipe brings restaurant-quality stir fry to weeknight tables with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The sauce balances citrus sweetness from marmalade with savory soy, heat from red pepper flakes, and warmth from ground ginger, while sesame oil adds nutty depth. Dijon mustard cuts richness and creates complexity. Crispy edges form on the chicken while broccoli maintains slight crunch. The dish suits busy families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking faster weeknight proteins without sacrificing taste or texture. Serve over steamed rice with fortune cookies for a casual, fun dinner that feels special. This version preps components separately in zipper bags days ahead, allowing flavors to meld while keeping cleanup minimal and execution foolproof.
Ingredients
- 5 boneless chicken breasts, medium, chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 20 oz broccoli florets
- 2 t ground ginger
- ½ C orange marmalade
- 3 T soy sauce
- 2 T Dijon mustard
- 1 t crushed red pepper flakes(optional)sriracha1 t:1 Tadds heat and slight sweetness
liquid addition changes sauce consistency
- 3 T sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 T olive oil
- 2 bags frozen rice steamers
- 6 fortune cookies
Instructions
- 1
Chop chicken into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place in a large zipper bag.
- 2
Place broccoli florets in another large zipper bag.
- 3
Whisk together ground ginger, orange marmalade, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- 4
Pour half the sauce over chicken, one quarter over broccoli, and reserve one quarter for the rice. Add olive oil to each bag, seal, and shake to coat.
- 5
Slice green onions and store separately in a small bowl with a lid.
- 6
Spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray and pour chicken and broccoli onto it.
- 7
Bake at 400 degrees for 13-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 8
Cook rice according to package directions, then toss with reserved sauce and green onions.
- 9
Serve with fortune cookies.
Tips
Prep the chicken and broccoli in zipper bags up to 3 days ahead. The sauce will penetrate the vegetables and chicken, deepening flavor while you focus on other meals. On cook day, simply spread onto a sheet pan and bake.
Don't skip the Dijon mustard. It emulsifies the sauce, prevents separation, and adds subtle tang that balances the sweet marmalade without being detectable as mustard.
Watch the oven closely during the final 3-4 minutes. Chicken breast cooks fast and dries quickly past 165 degrees internal temperature. A quick-read thermometer ensures doneness without overcooking.
Good to Know
Assembled bags in refrigerator up to 3 days. Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Do not freeze uncooked marinated chicken and broccoli due to texture degradation from ice crystals.
Prepare chicken and broccoli in zipper bags with sauce and olive oil up to 3 days in advance. Keep green onions separate in a covered bowl. Cook rice on serving day for best texture.
Over steamed rice with green onions and reserved sauce. Fortune cookies on the side for dessert or a casual, playful finish.
Common Mistakes
Use exact oven temperature and monitor closely to avoid drying out chicken breast; 13-18 minutes at 400 degrees is a narrow window.
Divide sauce correctly into thirds to avoid over-saucing the rice or under-saucing components; label bags if prepping ahead.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead and freeze it?
Prep the chicken and broccoli in zipper bags up to 3 days in the refrigerator, but do not freeze. Freezing damages vegetable cell walls, creating mushy texture when thawed and cooked. Store the cooked dish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; do not freeze cooked leftovers.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
Substitute a neutral oil like vegetable or canola at a 1:1 ratio. You will lose the distinctive nutty, aromatic character that sesame oil provides. Consider drizzling a small amount of sesame oil over the finished dish if available to capture some of that flavor.
What should I serve with sheet pan orange chicken?
The recipe includes frozen rice steamers. Serve over jasmine or white rice tossed with the reserved sauce and sliced green onions. Add a simple green salad or steamed bok choy for vegetables. Fortune cookies provide a light, fun dessert. Alternatively, serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.