Name: Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons orange zest; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup fresh orange juice + 2 tablespoons zest; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 3-4 tablespoons chili paste (gochujang); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour; Green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds, toasted

Nothing beats the simplicity and zing of the Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. I love how it fills the kitchen with that warm citrus aroma and balances spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors all on one tray. Trust me—this is one of those meals you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.

A white plate filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with browned, crispy pieces of chicken coated in a sticky, dark reddish-brown sauce. Scattered among the chicken are charred, bright green broccoli florets and golden-brown grilled slices of citrus. Thin strips of fresh green scallions are laid over the top, adding a fresh pop of color. To the left of the plate, light brown wooden chopsticks with blue patterned ends rest on the edge. The plate sits on a weathered metal tray, set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a lifesaver when I want something vibrant yet fuss-free. It’s a hands-off meal where the oven does most of the work, letting you relax or prep other dishes while it bakes. Plus, the combo of juicy chicken with crisp broccoli coated in a luscious chili-orange sauce is unbeatable.

One-Pan Convenience: You get your protein and veggie cooked together on a single sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor fusion.
Bright, Bold Flavors: The fresh orange zest and juice add a lively brightness that perfectly complements the subtle heat from chili paste.
Customizable Heat Level: Whether you like it mild or spicy, you control how much chili paste to add, making it family-pleasing or fiery.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead and enjoy quick, delicious meals all week long.

A round white speckled bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of soft white rice, topped with crispy golden-brown pieces of saucy chicken mixed with dark green broccoli florets. Thin slices of fresh green onions are scattered over the top, adding a fresh contrast. Two wooden chopsticks with blue decorative ends rest diagonally on the bowl, partially lifting some chicken and broccoli. The bowl is placed on an old, rustic metal tray with a dark patina. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in making this dish a standout. From the fresh orange juice offering natural sweetness to the tamari adding umami depth, they harmonize beautifully. I always recommend fresh ginger and garlic because they bring that authentic punch you want in Asian-inspired dishes.

Flat lay of fresh chicken breast cubes, bright orange zest, whole black peppercorns, a small mound of white flour, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, vibrant green broccoli florets, fresh green onions with white bulbs and green stalks, a small white bowl of bright orange fresh orange juice, a small white bowl of dark tamari sauce, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of golden honey, four whole unpeeled garlic bulbs, a piece of fresh ginger root with rough light brown skin, a small white bowl of deep red chili paste (gochujang), a small white bowl of dark amber toasted sesame oil, and a small white bowl of white cornstarch placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts or thighs: I personally prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too—just keep an eye on cooking time.
Orange zest and juice: Fresh zest adds intense citrus aroma, while juice gives the sauce its tangy backbone.
Black pepper: Just a subtle kick that enhances overall flavor.
Flour or gluten-free flour: Helps the chicken get that slight crispiness and helps the sauce thicken.
Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat that helps everything roast beautifully without overpowering flavors.
Broccoli florets: I like mine crisp-tender, which keeps the dish balanced and colorful.
Green onions and sesame seeds: These are my go-to garnishes that add freshness and a delightful crunch.
Tamari or soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a little saltiness; tamari keeps it gluten-free.
Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that brightens the sauce.
Honey: Offsets the heat with natural sweetness.
Garlic and fresh grated ginger: They lend warmth and complexity making the recipe taste homemade and vibrant.
Chili paste (gochujang): The star that gives it that signature spicy-sweet kick—I adjust the amount to suit my guests.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a lovely nutty finish that’s unmistakable in Asian dishes.
Cornstarch or flour: Used to thicken the sauce without weighing it down.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the heat, swap veggies, or try different proteins depending on what you have on hand. It’s a great blank canvas that I’ve played around with often.

Variation: I've swapped chicken for tofu before to make a vegetarian version, just remember to press the tofu well and toss it in the sauce carefully after baking.
Less Heat: Sometimes I reduce the chili paste for family dinners with kids, and it still packs plenty of flavor.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or snap peas to the sheet pan for more color and crunch.
Gluten-Free Swap: Using tamari and gluten-free flour keeps this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized cubes—that helps it cook evenly and soak up all the flavors. Toss the chicken with fresh orange zest and a generous grind of black pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour; this step gives the chicken a bit of a crispy outer coat after roasting. I like to use gluten-free flour when I want to keep things allergy-friendly.

Step 2: Arrange Everything on the Sheet Pan

Drizzle a couple tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat. Then spread the chicken out on one side of the pan. On the other side, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Giving everything some space helps them roast properly instead of steaming.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop the pan into a hot 450°F oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the broccoli nicely tender but still bright green. I recommend checking the chicken with a fork to make sure it's no longer pink inside.

Step 4: Make the Orange-Chili Sauce

While the chicken and broccoli bake, whisk together the orange juice, zest, tamari, rice vinegar, honey, grated garlic, ginger, chili paste, sesame oil, and a bit of cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens up and gets glossy. This sauce is where all the magic happens!

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Sauce and Finish Baking

Take the broccoli off the pan (set it aside) and pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat every piece, then spread it back out on the pan. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes so that saucy glaze bakes right onto the chicken. The result? Sticky, flavorful bites with a beautiful caramelized finish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is done, plate the chicken and broccoli together and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty crunch. I love serving this over steamed white or brown rice, but it also makes an impressive appetizer at parties.

Top Tip

From my many times making this Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, a few tricks have made all the difference to get that perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli with a sticky, flavorful sauce. Here are my go-to tips for success:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between chicken pieces lets the heat circulate and crisp up the edges instead of steaming.
Fresh Zest is Key: Grating fresh orange zest just before mixing makes the citrus flavor pop way more than bottled extracts.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems thin, mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the saucepan gradually to get a nice glaze consistency.
Watch the Broccoli: It can go from crisp-tender to mushy quickly—taking it out before the last sauce bake keeps the perfect texture.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle on top. The green onions bring a fresh, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the richness, while the sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with steamed jasmine or brown rice so that the citrus-chili sauce can soak in. Sometimes I’ll add a simple cucumber salad on the side for cool contrast, or even quick pickled carrots for an extra tangy crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, I just plate up the chicken and broccoli over rice in colorful bowls. But for special occasions, I’ve served the chicken on small lettuce cups topped with extra sauce and green onions—always a crowd pleaser and great for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken tends to soak up the sauce more overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just keep the broccoli separate if you want it to stay crisp.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works pretty well, especially if you flash freeze the chicken and broccoli separately. When thawed, you might want to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the broccoli, but overall it holds up nicely for easy meal prep.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce’s sticky texture without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or a squeeze of fresh orange juice can refresh the flavors if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicier and have more flavor, though chicken breasts work great too—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

How spicy is the Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?

The spice level depends on how much chili paste you add. I usually go for 3-4 tablespoons of gochujang for a balanced medium heat that’s noticeable but not overwhelming. You can always reduce or increase it based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The flavor and texture still come out fantastic.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, whether white, brown, or jasmine. You can also serve it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice and a crunchy cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies to add more texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe has become a trusted favorite in my kitchen because it’s vibrant, balanced, and easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to share with friends. Once you get comfortable with the basic steps, feel free to make it your own—and enjoy the warm citrus-spicy hug it delivers in every bite. I truly hope it becomes a staple in your home as it has in mine!