Easy Orange Chicken and Broccoli (Frozen Chicken) | CookOS

Easy Orange Chicken and Broccoli

Name: Easy Orange Chicken and Broccoli (Frozen Chicken)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lbs frozen breaded chicken chunks; 1 head broccoli, cut into florets; 1 1/2 cups orange juice; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tsp ginger paste; 1/4 cup mirin; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; Zest of 1 orange; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

This easy orange chicken and broccoli uses frozen breaded chicken chunks and a homemade citrus-soy sauce to deliver takeout flavor in under 30 minutes. It's a no-fuss weeknight meal that skips the deep fryer.

🌍American Chinese 🏷️Orange chicken 🏷️Chicken and broccoli 🏷️Easy recipe 🏷️Weeknight dinner Takeout-style

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Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by applesauceandadhd

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Ingredients

2 lbs frozen breaded chicken chunks
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ginger paste
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)optional

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Instructions

1
Cook the frozen chicken chunks according to package directions, typically in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
2
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, minced garlic, ginger paste, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and orange zest.
3
Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
4
In a large pan or wok with a steamer basket, add a small amount of water and steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
5
Pour the prepared sauce into the empty pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. The sauce will thicken almost immediately.
7
Once the chicken is cooked, add it directly to the pan with the thickened sauce.
8
Toss the chicken to coat it completely in the orange sauce.
9
Add the steamed broccoli back into the pan with the chicken and sauce.
10
Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Bake frozen breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to ensure crispness on all sides without flipping.
Whisk the sauce ingredients together before cooking to dissolve brown sugar completely and prevent lumps from cornstarch.
Add broccoli in the last 10 minutes of chicken cooking so it's tender-crisp and doesn't overcook or lose color.
Simmer the sauce gently after adding cornstarch; high heat can cause it to break or become grainy.

Substitutions

Orange juice → tangerine juice or clementine juice (milder, slightly sweeter)
Ginger paste → 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger (adjust to taste)
Mirin → honey or rice vinegar mixed with sugar (see FAQ for ratio)
Broccoli → snap peas, baby bok choy, or bell peppers (reduce cook time for tender vegetables)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power; add a splash of water to prevent drying.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen breaded?

Yes. Pound boneless chicken breasts thin, dredge in cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper, pan-fry until golden, then add sauce. Cooking time will vary.

What if I don't have mirin?

Substitute 1/4 cup honey or 2 tablespoons rice vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar. Mirin adds sweetness and depth; honey is closest.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Cook the chicken and broccoli fresh, then toss with cold or reheated sauce just before serving for best texture.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Frozen breaded chunks typically need 15–20 minutes in the oven or until golden and heated through. A food thermometer should read 165°F at the thickest point.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and increase cook time slightly. Ensure the baking sheet is large enough so chicken pieces don't crowd, or use two sheets.