This Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a vibrant and delicious meal that pairs juicy chicken thighs with the bright, tangy flavor of orange. Baked together with crisp broccoli and wholesome brown rice, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a complete, healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet and zesty orange sauce complements the savory chicken and broccoli perfectly.
Quick & Easy: A one-pan dish that saves you time on cooking and cleanup.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and the goodness of whole grain brown rice.
Versatile: It can be customized with other vegetables or a different protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 large oranges, juiced and zested
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional orange zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add Nuts: Add cashews or almonds for a crunch.
Use Chicken Breasts: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but fresh will give you a better texture.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.

3. Can I substitute the chicken thighs with another protein?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, tofu, or even shrimp as a protein alternative.

4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and ensure you’re using a plant-based soy sauce.

5. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can swap the brown rice for white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

6. How do I store the sauce if I have leftovers?

Store the leftover sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase the vegetable variety.

8. How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. It can be adjusted to your liking.

9. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger works well in this recipe and will give it an extra zing.

10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet is a perfect weeknight meal that combines the zesty, refreshing taste of orange with the hearty flavors of chicken and broccoli. Quick, healthy, and full of flavor, this dish is a great option for any night of the week.